Health Alert: Philippines, Increase in Diphtheria Cases

Actions to Take:​ 

• Vaccination is essential to protect against diphtheria and anyone traveling to affected areas should be up to date with their diphtheria vaccines . 
• Avoid contact with persons with symptoms of diphtheria (fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, change in voice, shortness of breath, weakness, or fatigue) and touching wounds of others.
• If you feel sick during or after travel, seek medical care immediately .  Tell the clinician about your diphtheria vaccination status and travel exposures.  If you are sick and unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated against diphtheria you are at increased risk of becoming very sick when exposed to diphtheria.  It is important to start treatment  with antitoxin and antibiotics as soon as possible.
• For additional details, please visit the CDC alert notice . 

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For further information and assistance:

• U.S. Embassy Manila: +63 (2) 5301-2000; ACSInfoManila@state.gov
• State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
• Philippines Country Specific Information 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts
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