The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has called on the public to review their children’s vaccination records following a spike in diphtheria cases nationwide. The NICD urges vaccination as a critical step.
Due to rising diphtheria cases in South Africa, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has urged the public to check their children's vaccination records. Again, the NICD urges vaccination to combat these cases.
From January 1 to March this year, 40 cases of diphtheria caused by toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae were confirmed. The majority occurred in the Western Cape. Most cases involved adults, with a notable 27% fatality rate among symptomatic patients.
NCID Recommendations for Vaccination
The NICD recommends that adults who haven’t received a diphtheria vaccine in the last decade get vaccinated. It encourages pregnant women to receive the vaccine to protect themselves and their babies. Increasingly, the NICD urges vaccination to protect public health.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious illness. It presents with a sore throat, fever, and swollen neck glands. The illness can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
Treatment includes administering diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics. However, vaccination remains the best preventive measure. Infants typically receive vaccinations at six, 10, and 14 weeks, with boosters later. Health officials stress the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations for both children and adults. This helps to prevent the spread of this serious illness.