South Africa: Fears of possible diphtheria outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal

Event

Health officials have expressed fears of a possible diphtheria outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal province as of Monday, May 7. According to local sources, three cases, including two confirmed fatal cases, have been reported since March 30. South African health officials are reportedly taking measures to prevent a larger outbreak of the disease.

Context

Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria, which primarily infects the throat and upper airways and produces a toxin affecting other organs. The illness has an acute onset and typical symptoms include a sore throat, low-grade fever, and swollen glands in the neck; the toxin may, in severe cases, cause myocarditis or peripheral neuropathy. The disease is spread through direct physical human contact or from breathing in the aerosolized secretions from coughs or sneezes of infected individuals.

Advice

Individuals considering travel to South Africa, particularly to KwaZulu-Natal province, are advised to confirm vaccinations are up to date and to keep abreast of the situation.