Haiti is experiencing a significant increase in cases of diphtheria. The Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) has already confirmed 90 new cases at the start of 2026. Of these reported cases, 26 involve girls aged 5 to 14, 16 involve boys in the same age group, 24 affect women aged 15 to 29, and 9 cases are recorded among women aged 30 to 59. Appearing on the program Panel Magik on Thursday, April 23, pediatrician Dr. Florence Siné provided details on the manifestations and dangers of this disease.

Diphtheria is a serious infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. According to Dr. Siné, this pathogen releases a toxin, comparable to a poison, which leads to the formation of a membrane in the throat, preventing normal breathing. “The toxin can affect the heart as well as the nervous system, which can lead to various manifestations,” she explains. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing. In some cases, when treatment is delayed, significant swelling of the neck may appear, commonly referred to as “bull neck.”