WHO Says Diphtheria Infected over 1,300 People in Yemen


WHO Says Diphtheria Infected over 1,300 People in Yemen

TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The World Health Organization says a diphtheria outbreak in war-torn Yemen has spread rapidly nationwide and infected more than 1,300 people.

WHO said in a statement that children and young adults account for almost 80 percent of cases and more than 70 people have died, AP reported.

Diphtheria, first reported in Yemen in October last year, is a contagious and potentially fatal disease that primarily infects the throat and airways.

WHO said Friday a vaccination campaign targeting 2.7 Yemeni children has been completed in 11 governorates.

The near three-year stalemated war has damaged Yemen's infrastructure, crippled the health system and pushed it to the brink of famine.

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