Diphtheria in Estonia, 1991-1996

Clinical diphtheria reappeared in Estonia in 1991. Between 1991 and 1996, 61 cases and 5 deaths occurred; 19 cases were among children 5-9 years of age, and 11 were among persons 40-49 years of age. From 1993-1995, vaccine supplies donated by Finland were used in vaccination programs. In 1995, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Estonian Red Cross launched a mass vaccination campaign targeting the adult population. By the end of 1997, it was estimated that 46% of adults had received at least one dose of vaccine. Although the vaccination campaigns did not target the pediatric population, vaccination coverage in school-aged children remained high due to continuing routine vaccination programs. The reappearance and epidemic of clinical diphtheria cases and the mass vaccination campaign efforts demonstrated that preventive measures are important and must be maintained in order to keep diphtheria under control.