Diphtheria Outbreak in Amerindian Communities, Wonken, Venezuela, 2016–2017

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Authors

Adriana Lodeiro-Colatosti · Universidad Univer

Udo Reischl · Universidad Univer

Thomas Holzmann · Central University of Venezuela

Carlos E. Hernández‐Pereira

Alejandro Rísquez · University Hospital Regensburg

Alberto Paniz‐Mondolfi

Abstract

In February 2017, a diphtheria outbreak occurred among Amerindians of the Pemón ethnic group in Wonken, Venezuela. A field investigation revealed ≈10 cases; clinical presentation did not include cutaneous or neurologic signs or symptoms. To prevent future outbreaks in Venezuela, Amerindian communities need better access to vaccination and healthcare.

Topics & Keywords

Diphtheria, Corynebacterium, and Tetanus Streptococcal Infections and Treatments Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good health and well-being

Publication Details

Published in: Emerging infectious diseases

Volume 24, Issue 7, pp. 1340-1344

DOI: 10.3201/eid2407.171712

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 4.94