# Diphtheria Outbreaks in Africa: What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know
If you’re planning a trip to parts of Africa this year, a recent health advisory deserves your attention. Health authorities have issued a Level 1 travel health precaution for six African nations currently experiencing diphtheria outbreaks: Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia, and South Africa. While this doesn’t mean you should cancel your plans, it does mean taking some important preventive steps before departure.
## Understanding the Diphtheria Risk
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that spreads easily between people through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. The bacteria produce toxins that can cause a thick coating in the nose and throat, making breathing difficult. In severe cases, the infection can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Young children face the highest risk of serious complications, but unvaccinated adults can also become severely ill.
What makes the current situation particularly concerning is a worldwide shortage of diphtheria antitoxin—the specific treatment used for active infections. This means if you contract diphtheria while abroad, accessing proper treatment may prove difficult or impossible.
## Why These Outbreaks Are Spreading
The affected regions are facing a perfect storm of challenges. Vaccination rates have dropped in many communities, allowing the disease to gain a foothold. Simultaneously, healthcare systems are stretched thin dealing with multiple disease outbreaks at once, creating shortages of medical staff, medications, and essential supplies. These conditions allow diphtheria to spread more rapidly and make controlling outbreaks significantly harder.
## Protecting Yourself Before You Travel
The good news? Diphtheria is highly preventable through vaccination. Most Ottawa travellers received diphtheria vaccines as children, but protection fades over time. Adults typically need booster shots every ten years to maintain immunity.
Schedule a pre-travel consultation at least six weeks before departure—though even a last-minute appointment provides valuable protection. During your visit, discuss whether you need a diphtheria booster, review all your routine vaccinations, and get personalized advice for your specific destination.
Beyond vaccination, practice basic hygiene while travelling: wash hands frequently with soap for at least twenty seconds, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available, and cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow rather than your hands.
## Get Personalized Travel Health Advice
Don’t leave your health to chance when travelling to outbreak-affected regions. A pre-travel consultation ensures you’re properly protected and prepared for your journey.
Planning to visit an affected destination? Our ISTM-certified travel health physicians provide personalized consultations 7 days a week — virtually, from anywhere in Ottawa. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.