The Philippines Reports Diphtheria Outbreak

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced it issued an Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions regarding the Republic of the Philippines reporting increased diphtheria cases in various regions.

As of May 1, 2023, the CDC says if you are traveling to an affected area, you should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines.

And before visiting the Philippines, discuss the need for a booster dose with your healthcare professional.

Diphtheria is a severe infection caused by strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria that make a toxin.

When the bacteria enter the respiratory system, they can cause sore throat, mild fever, and swollen glands in the neck. In addition, the bacteria make a toxin that kills healthy tissues in the respiratory system and can make it difficult to breathe and swallow.

For some people, respiratory diphtheria can lead to death. Even with treatment, about 1 in 10 patients with respiratory diphtheria die.

Without treatment, up to half of patients can die from the disease, says the CDC.

Additionally, the CDC included the Philippines in a recent dengue outbreak alert.