Vaccination programmes in developed countries like Australia have virtually eliminated such diseases as Diphtheria, Polio and Tetanus. However, these diseases still pose a threat to the unvaccinated traveller, especially when immediate medical assistance is not available.
Diphtheria is a respiratory disease which causes nasal discharge, fever, malaise and sore throat.
A thick grey membrane may develop in the throat which can obstruct swallowing. Infection is spread by respiratory agents such as coughing and sneezing, so is fairly easy to catch from an infected host. In serious cases, oxygen, nasogastric feeding, and surgical removal of thickened membrane may be required. Tetanus is an acute infection which affects the nervous system. Spasm in respiratory muscles can prevent breathing and respiratory arrest and cardiac failure are possible life-threatening complications.