Since the implementation of diphtheria immunisation in South Africa in the 1950s, cases have been uncommon. However, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases has warned clinicians countrywide to be on the lookout for the disease following a recent spike in infections in the Western Cape.
Listen to this article 7 min Listen to this article 7 min The Western Cape has seen a "marked increase" in diphtheria cases in recent weeks. Since early November, 12 respiratory diphtheria cases and 12 asymptomatic carriers who were detected during contact tracing have been identified in Cape Town, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
In Gauteng, one confirmed respiratory diphtheria patient and one asymptomatic case were identified in the second week of 2025.
Diphtheria, a contagious and potentially life-threatening disease, is caused by the pathogenic bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. diphtheriae). The bacterial infection is vaccine-preventable.
Responding to diphtheria cases
In an alert issued on 21 January, the NICD urged clinicians throughout SA to have a "high index of suspicion" for respiratory diphtheria in patients presenting with symptoms such as a sore throat, low-grade fever and enlarged glands in the neck.
"The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness understands the concerns of residents and assures the community that comprehensive measures are in place to address the recent cluster of diphtheria cases. We kindly urge residents to remain calm as we work diligently to safeguard public health," said Byron la Hoe, spokesperson for the Western Cape Department...
