''No need to panic'', says WCDoHW, following four cases of diphtheria in Cape Metro

Four laboratory-confirmed cases of the diphtheria disease has been confirmed by the Western Cape Health & Wellness Department.

In a statement, the department said one of these cases has sadly passed away.

Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with an infected person. Children without full immunisation and adults with waning immunity are at higher risk, especially in crowded conditions. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, chills, nausea, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

The Department says it is working closely with all partners including the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), and the City of Cape Town in managing these cases.

It asked residents not to panic while efforts to control diphtheria cases are under way.

The department says that it is working closely with all partners including the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), and the City of Cape Town in managing these cases.

The department has assured residents that it has stepped up efforts to screen people who have been exposed to the disease in the affected communities.

It is reported that over 300 people in the Philippi farmlands were tested for diphtheria after an elderly woman’s death in the Riemvasmaak informal settlement last week.

‘’Treatment is also being offered to those with symptoms consistent with the disease,’’ it said.

 

Done By: Mitchum George