Diphtheria, unspecified
Diphtheria, unspecified clinical and global spread profile: 13 countries, 15 WHO outbreak events since 1996.
Diphtheria, unspecified · ICD-10 A369 · ICD-11 1C17 · 15 WHO events across 13 countries (1996–2025).
Top affected countries
| Country | Region | Events | % of global |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | AFR | 2 | 13% |
| Guinea | AFR | 2 | 13% |
| Chad | AFR | 1 | 7% |
| Niger | AFR | 1 | 7% |
| Bangladesh | SEAR | 1 | 7% |
| Mali | AFR | 1 | 7% |
| Afghanistan | EMR | 1 | 7% |
| Mauritania | AFR | 1 | 7% |
| South Africa | AFR | 1 | 7% |
| Algeria | AFR | 1 | 7% |
| Thailand | SEAR | 1 | 7% |
| Yemen | EMR | 1 | 7% |
| Lao People's Democratic Republic | WPR | 1 | 7% |
Distribution by WHO region
| Region | Events | Share |
|---|---|---|
| AFR | 10 | 67% |
| SEAR | 2 | 13% |
| EMR | 2 | 13% |
| WPR | 1 | 7% |
Annual outbreak timeline
| Year | Events | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 8 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2017 | 2 | 2 |
| 2003 | 1 | 1 |
| 1996 | 2 | 2 |
Peak year: 2025 (8 events).
Decade summary
| Decade | Events |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 2 |
| 2000s | 1 |
| 2010s | 2 |
| 2020s | 10 |
WHO case definition
A disease commonly of the respiratory system, caused by an infection of the gram-positive bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This disease is characterised by sore throat, fever, and a pseudomembrane on the tonsils, pharynx, or nasal cavity. Transmission is by inhalation of infected respiratory secretions, or direct cutaneous contact. Confirmation is by identification of Corynebacterium diphtheriae from a throat swab or infected tissue, and by clinical signs.
Countries Affected
13
Outbreak Events
15
Year Range
1996–2025
ICD-10 A369
Diphtheria, unspecified
Visualization
Global Prevalence Snapshot
Based on WHO Disease Outbreak News events (1996–2025).
Risk Level
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