WHO says diphtheria infected over 1,300 people in Yemen

A Yemeni child receives a diphtheria vaccine at a health center. (AFP)

CAIRO: 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.
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.