Health officials warn of rising diphtheria cases in Western Cape and Gauteng

Eight confirmed cases of diphtheria have been reported in the Western Cape and Gauteng, prompting health officials to issue an urgent warning to clinicians.

The disease, which can lead to severe complications if untreated, is preventable through vaccination.

The Department of Health, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), have urged health professionals to stay alert for symptoms like sore throat and low-grade fever and to report any suspected diphtheria cases promptly.

While health officials are urging increased awareness, they also reassured the public, stressing that there is no need to panic, as diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease.

Diphtheria is an uncommon infection caused by a toxin-producing bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheria.

It may lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems, and death.

The bacteria spreads from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.

In a statement from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), it was reported that since July 2024, there has been a rise in respiratory diphtheria cases. While the majority of cases have been in the Western Cape, particularly across the City of Cape Town, additional cases have also been reported in KwaZulu-Natal in May 2024 and more recently in Gauteng in January 2025.

Foster Mohale, Department of Health spokesperson, emphasised that vaccination is the most effective way to protect against diphtheria.

He explained that routine diphtheria vaccinations are part of the childhood immunisation schedule, with the vaccine given to all children in their first year of life, along with booster doses at ages 6 and 12.

“Parents are encouraged to ensure their children are vaccinated, and those who are not up to date should visit their nearest clinic for immunisation,” he said.