101-Year-Old Nome Diphtheria Survivor Passes Away
Jirdes Winther Baxter, the last known survivor of Nome’s 1925 diphtheria outbreak that inspired a legendary sled-dog relay delivering lifesaving serum, died in Juneau on Jan. 5 at age 101.
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Diphtheria
All articles tagged with #diphtheria
Resurgence of Diphtheria Threatens Children's Health
Diphtheria, a deadly disease once nearly eradicated, is making a dangerous comeback in Somalia due to war, climate issues, and vaccine mistrust, infecting thousands of children and some adults, as illustrated by tragic cases in Mogadishu.
Scientists Question the Cost-Effectiveness of Adult Booster Shots
New research suggests that adults may not need routine tetanus and diphtheria booster shots if childhood vaccination coverage remains high, potentially saving the U.S. about $1 billion annually, with evidence from the UK supporting long-lasting immunity from childhood vaccines.
Diphtheria Outbreak Escalates in Somalia, Health Officials Alert
Diphtheria cases are rapidly increasing in Somalia, mainly affecting children under 15, due to low vaccination coverage, vaccine hesitancy, and poor living conditions, with health officials warning of a serious public health threat amid rising deaths and strained medical resources.
Research Indicates Routine Tetanus and Diphtheria Boosters May Be Unnecessary for Adults
Research suggests that US adults may not need routine tetanus and diphtheria booster shots if childhood vaccination coverage remains high, potentially saving billions annually and aligning US guidelines with WHO recommendations, as immunity from childhood vaccines appears to last over 30 years with minimal disease incidence.
New Research Questions the Need for Decadal Vaccinations
New research from Oregon Health & Science University suggests that adults who are vaccinated in childhood may not need tetanus and diphtheria booster shots every 10 years, as immunity could last for 30 years or more, potentially leading to significant cost savings and a revision of current vaccination guidelines.
"Diphtheria Outbreak Strikes Guinea, Claiming Lives"
Guinea is experiencing a diphtheria outbreak, with 538 cases reported in the Kankan region. Of these cases, 520 are suspected and 18 confirmed, with a case fatality rate of 11%. The outbreak is attributed to low vaccination coverage, with Guinea's immunization coverage for diphtheria tetanus toxoid and pertussis (DTP3) vaccine reported to be 47%. The Ministry of Health and WHO are coordinating efforts to strengthen surveillance, case management, and vaccination coverage to control the outbreak.