All you need to know about diphtheria disease, where to get tested

The Western Cape has confirmed cases of diphtheria disease and have started initiatives to curb the spread. Here’s all you need to know.

The Western Cape has confirmed cases of diphtheria disease and have started initiatives to curb the spread. Image: Pexels

Being informed about diphtheria disease has become of utmost importance in order to prevent yourself from getting infected or even spreading it.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided in-depth information on what this disease is, it’s causes and prevention. Here’s also how to get tested in your area if you suspect you have diphtheria disease. Get tested even if you’re not showing any symptoms as you can still carry the disease without exhibiting signs.

WHAT IS DIPHTHERIA DISEASE?

According to the WHO website, diphtheria is a contagious disease caused by bacteria that produce toxins. The toxins cause damage to the respiratory tract and can also spread to the rest of the body. Diphtheria spreads from one person to another when the individual infected with it coughs or sneezes.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Unvaccinated children are the ones mostly at risk of getting diphtheria disease. Anyone non-immune, meaning not vaccinated or under vaccinated, is also at risk. The risk of getting infected rises when in crowded places.

SYMPTOMS OF DIPHTHERIA DISEASE

Some people may not show that they have the disease, but are still able to transmit it to others. There are also those who will show mild symptoms, however, these symptoms can get severe, lead to complications and sometimes even death. It usually takes about two to five days for symptoms of diphtheria disease to show after exposure to the bacteria.

Common symptoms include a fever, sore throat, weakness and swollen neck glands. The dead tissue in the respiratory tract can form a thick, grey coating that can cover tissues in the nose, tonsils and throat within two to three days of infection. This leads to difficulty in breathing and swallowing.

TREATMENT

Diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics are used to treat the disease. The antitoxin, which are specifically for diphtheria, work by neutralising the circulation of toxins in the blood. The antibiotics stop the replication of the bacteria and thereby toxin production. They also speed up getting rid of the bacteria and prevent transmission to others.

WHERE TO GET TESTED?

The Daily Voice spoke to Patricia van der Ross, Mayco Member for Health. She revealed how the public can get tested. Van der Ross said: “They can be tested at any local clinic and if found to be positive our protocol is to isolate and transfer to a hospital for treatment.

“We call on people to please take extra care and practice handwashing and avoid sharing crockery or cutlery. It is also important that children receive all their immunisations.”

OVER 300 ALREADY TESTED IN PHILIPPI

According to the report on 18 December 2024, an elderly woman from Philippi died in Groote Schuur Hospital. This was after she was infected by toxin-producing bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheria. Following her tragic death, concerned citizens approached Van der Ross and expressed their fears.

Health workers and community leaders then went around door-to-door to various informal settlements. A total of 308 people were tested and vaccinations were also completed. This year, the Western Cape has confirmed 17 diphtheria disease cases.