Diphtheria alert: Health dept urge public calm and awareness

Following the news of two confirmed cases of diphtheria cases in South Africa, Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla urges the public to remain calm.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) identified the two instances of diphtheria back in April.

Diphtheria in South Africa

The first case was recorded KwaZulu-Natal when an adult showed symptoms of diphtheria, whilst a child in the Western Cape constituted the second case.

Even though diphtheria can lead to severe respiratory problems and even death, it is a vaccine-preventable illness.

However, the Health Department said the two cases of diphtheria in South Africa highlight the potential risk of reduced vaccine coverage in the country.

Understanding diphtheria

The diphtheria bacterium spreads from human to human via respiratory droplets during coughing or sneezing, but can also spread through contact with infected open sores or ulcers.

Some of the symptoms include a sore throat, as well as a membrane on the tonsils, and throat and swollen neck glands.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the infection could also result in difficulty breathing and heart rhythm problems.

Treatment and mortality rate

Complications while infected may include airway blockage, damage to the heart muscle, nerve damage, kidney failure, and in some cases, death.

People with diphtheria generally cease to be infectious 48 hours after beginning treatment, but it’s critical to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure total bacteria elimination.

Even with treatment, respiratory diphtheria claims the lives of about one in 10 patients. This mortality rate jumps to 50% without treatment.

Diphtheria vaccination

Children receive vaccination against diphtheria as part of the regular childhood vaccine schedule.

While the vaccine is initially administered during infancy, booster shots are given at the ages of six and 12.

There’s no need for concern if doses are missed, as catch-up vaccination remains a possibility.

Challenges and remedies

What is of concern, however, is the component used to fight the disease – diphtheria antitoxin – is in limited supply worldwide.

Despite this, the World Health Organisation is expending considerable effort to secure more. In the meantime, antibiotics and supportive care form the backbone of treatment.

Parents are strongly advised to ensure their children’s vaccination schedules are up-to-date, and unvaccinated children should visit their nearest clinic for vaccination.