Between 29 December 2025 and 5 April 2026, South African health authorities identified 14 confirmed cases of respiratory diphtheria and two asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae. All cases and carriers were reported from the Western Cape province, according to the country's weekly situational report for epidemiological week 14 of 2026.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and upper airways, producing a toxin that can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. It is preventable through vaccination, and health authorities have stressed the importance of ensuring up-to-date immunisation, particularly among children. The presence of asymptomatic carriers highlights the risk of silent transmission within communities.
South African public health officials are monitoring the situation closely and have urged healthcare providers to remain vigilant for symptoms consistent with diphtheria, including a sore throat, low-grade fever, and the formation of a greyish membrane in the throat. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antitoxin and antibiotics are critical to reducing mortality and preventing further spread.
The Western Cape Department of Health has been coordinating contact tracing and vaccination campaigns in affected areas. Residents are encouraged to verify their vaccination status and consult healthcare providers if they suspect exposure. Diphtheria had been considered largely controlled in South Africa due to routine childhood immunisation programmes, making this cluster of cases a notable public health concern.
