Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in the Western Cape is grappling with a diphtheria outbreak, with eight confirmed cases among inmates, following the tragic death of one prisoner on November 5th due to the infection. Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, officially announced the outbreak on Thursday.
The Health Department revealed that a 19-year-old male inmate began exhibiting diphtheria symptoms on October 28, 2023. He was promptly referred to a local hospital for further medical care. Spokesperson Foster Mohale explained, “Throat swabs were collected on the same day for culture laboratory testing, and the results, unfortunately, came back positive on November 2. Regrettably, his health continued to deteriorate until he passed away on November 5, 2023.”
In response, public health measures have been swiftly implemented to contain the outbreak. These measures involve contact tracing of inmates, correctional services staff, consulting healthcare workers, and emergency services personnel.
Mohale reported, “Additional tests were conducted on the 55 identified close contacts as part of the case investigation. The results revealed eight more inmates who tested positive for diphtheria. Two of them displayed mild symptoms, while the remaining six were asymptomatic. All affected individuals, including the deceased, fall within the age group of 18 to 23 years old.”
Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection primarily affecting the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It has the potential to harm the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Diphtheria is a rare but vaccine-preventable illness caused by a toxin-producing bacterium known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The toxin can lead to breathing difficulties, heart rhythm issues, and, in severe cases, fatality. Transmission typically occurs through respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include a sore throat, the formation of a membrane on the tonsils and throat, and swollen neck glands.
To prevent further disease spread, immediate contacts of affected individuals and the deceased have been isolated from the rest of the correctional center section. Additionally, two staff members who exhibited symptoms consistent with diphtheria are undergoing treatment while awaiting their laboratory test results.
Mohale stated, “The Western Cape Department of Health Disease Outbreak Team, in collaboration with the Department of Correctional Services, has initiated a vaccination campaign within the affected section of the correctional center.”
It’s worth noting that two previous laboratory-confirmed cases of diphtheria occurred earlier in the year, involving an adult in KwaZulu-Natal and a child in the Western Cape.
Mohale emphasized the importance of healthcare workers maintaining a high level of vigilance to detect cases early. He also urged all individuals to ensure that they and their families are up-to-date with their vaccinations.
In South Africa, the diphtheria-containing vaccine is readily available to all children free of charge at public sector facilities, with doses administered at 6, 10, 14 weeks, and 18 months as part of the hexavalent vaccine. Booster shots are provided at 6 and 12 years of age, and all Grade 5 learners in public schools receive them during the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign.