Some remarks on diphtheria in VietNam, 1980-2001

ABSTRACT

The results of epidemiological surveillance showed that the incidence of diphtheria has reduced by 71% in the period of 1996 - 2001 compared with that in the period of 1991-1995, as a result of DPT immunization for children under 1 year of age in the EPI that has been accelerated since 1986. Especially, since 1994 the DPT immunization coverage has been sustained at greater than 90%. In the period of 1991-2002 the incidence of diphtheria was high in some provinces of the northern region. The disease occurred all year round, however, the incidences were highest in December and lowest in February, case mortality inhabitants rate recorded was 10.8%.