Diphtheria Outbreak in South Africa’s Western Cape Raises Public Health Concerns CAPE TOWN, South Africa — A concerning outbreak of respiratory diphtheria has been reported in South Africa’s Western Cape province, with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirming 20 confirmed cases and four asymptomatic carriers between December 29, 2025, and May 3, 2026.
The situation has prompted health officials to sound the alarm over low booster vaccination rates among children, particularly in the Western Cape region.
The NICD situational report highlights that the majority of the cases are centered in the Western Cape, with the outbreak raising public health concerns due to the disease’s potential severity and the fact that it is vaccine-preventable.
Diphtheria, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, can lead to severe respiratory issues if not promptly treated.
According to officials, the rising number of cases is particularly worrying given the declining uptake of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) booster doses among older children.
The NICD’s latest report indicates that nationally, 91 laboratory-confirmed cases of toxigenic respiratory diphtheria were recorded between January 2024 and January 18, 2026, with the Western Cape accounting for the majority of these cases.
The situation echoes the broader challenge of vaccine hesitancy and the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that between the beginning of 2025 and March 1, 2026, over 29,000 suspected diphtheria cases with 1,420 deaths have been reported across the African region, highlighting the continent’s ongoing struggle with vaccine-preventable diseases. While the NICD has provided official data on the outbreak, the lack of quotes or statements from health authorities or affected individuals leaves some room for concern regarding the depth of analysis.
However, the situation is being closely monitored by health officials, who are working to ensure that the outbreak is contained and that vaccination rates are improved.
The Western Cape government has expressed its commitment to addressing the issue, emphasizing the importance of early childhood vaccination and booster doses later in life. Cape Times reports that while the province accounts for most cases of toxigenic respiratory diphtheria, the decrease in the uptake of Tdap booster doses among older children is especially concerning and compounding the issue.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for health authorities to continue monitoring the outbreak and implementing strategies to improve vaccination rates.
The success of such efforts will depend on the cooperation of the public and the commitment of health officials to address the underlying challenges that contribute to outbreaks like this one.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Google News v2
