Diphtheria cases continue to increase

By Levy Masiteng 

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has sounded the alarm as diphtheria cases are on the rise in South Africa. 

NICD spokesperson Vuyo Sabani said that since the beginning of 2025, 40 cases of diphtheria have been confirmed in South Africa, with 19 symptomatic cases and 21 asymptomatic carriers identified through contact tracing.

They include 15 respiratory diphtheria cases reported in the Western Cape, two in Gauteng, three in Mpumalanga and one probable case in Limpopo.

“More than 78% of the cases have been in adults. Of the symptomatic cases, it is important to note that nine individuals have died, with a case fatality ratio of 27% (9/33) since the beginning of 2024,” Sabani said in a statement.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening illness that can cause severe respiratory problems, heart damage and even death.  Symptoms typically include a sore throat, fever and