Diphtheria is a respiratory bacterial infection that affects the throat and nose. If left untreated, it can be severely harmful. It’s an infection that spreads easily, but a vaccination can help you stay safe.
Recently, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) warned about a rise in respiratory diphtheria cases, mainly in Cape Town, Western Cape. According to statistics, since January-November 2024, the number of cases increased in Cape Town.
Symptoms of respiratory diphtheria usually start 2 to 5 days after exposure, although the incubation period can be longer (range 1 to 10 days). Initial signs and symptoms include fever, malaise, chills, loss of appetite, sore throat, nausea and vomiting. Within days, a whitish/greyish pseudomembrane may form over the throat and tonsils that can make it hard to swallow and breathe. – NICD
Staying safe from diphtheria:
- Avoid close contact with people if you have symptoms as diphtheria spreads through sneezes and coughs, and close contact.
- Watch for symptoms: fever, difficulty breathing, sore throat, and a thick coating in your throat.
- Ask your doctor or at the clinic about the necessary vaccination. According to the NICD, other treatment includes antibiotics (azithromycin or penicillin) to clear the organism from the throat and prevent onward transmission.
- If you or someone you know has symptoms, please get medical help immediately, especially if you have trouble breathing.
Image: Freepik
