According to the WHO Weekly Bulletin on Outbreak and other Emergencies (Week 40: 30 September to 6 October 2024), in light of the ongoing Diphtheria outbreak in Guinea, the World Health Organisation (WHO) maintains a rigorous surveillance programme. In the most recent report, issued on 25 August 2024 (Weekly Bulletin 34, 2024), 115 new cases were identified, along with 14 fatalities, representing an increase from the previously reported figures. A variable incidence has been observed between the 34th and 39th weeks of 2024, with an average of 26 suspected cases reported per week. During epidemiological week 39 of 2024 (ending 29 September 2024), a total of 23 patients presenting with symptoms compatible with the disease and three associated deaths were reported from four health districts in the Kankan (22 cases and 3 deaths) and Kindia (1 case) regions. The Siguiri health district in the Kankan region continues to represent the epicentre of the outbreak, with 6,020 (92.3%) cumulative cases and 141 (80.6%) cumulative deaths reported since the onset of the outbreak. The age groups most severely affected are those aged 6-10 years (23%), 11-15 years (20%), and 16-20 years (19%), with a greater proportion of female cases (59.0%).
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October 6, 2024
