Calls for calm after diphtheria death in W Cape

The Western Cape Health Department has called for calm among residents of the province following the death of a 34-year-old woman from diphtheria.

The bacterial infection is contagious and potentially life-threatening. It spreads through contact. Symptoms develop gradually, beginning with a sore throat and fever.

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The department says says five laboratory confirmed cases have been identified in the Cape Metro areas including Philippi, Lotus River, Athlone and a correctional facility.

Western Cape Health Department Spokesperson, Byron La Hoe elaborates, “Since this is a treatable and vaccine-preventable condition, we ask residents not to panic, while efforts to control the small cluster of the diphtheria cases are underway.”

Health care  workers are currently following up on the suspected cases of diphtheria to determine if these are symptomatic. They are also conducting contact tracing in the affected communities, screening individuals, providing antibiotics to  symptoms, as well as vaccinating those who are at risk. “