KZN records case of Diphtheria disease
The Health Department has
issued a message of caution after it recorded two positive cases of the Diphtheria disease.
But the same time the department has urged the country not to panic.
"In April, the first case was detected in an adult from KwaZulu-Natal and the second case was detected in a child in the Western Cape.
Diphtheria is an uncommon, but vaccine-preventable serious infection caused by a toxin that destroys cells, lining the throat and windpipe, making it difficult to breathe.
The disease dubbed the 'strangling angel' may also lead to heart rhythm problems and can be fatal.
The department's Foster Mohale says the bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.
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He says healthcare workers will alert them to suspected cases.
"Some of the symptoms of the bacteria include; sore throat and swollen glands in the front of the neck. Close contact with the cases is a risk of infection.
"Routine diphtheria vaccination is part of the childhood vaccine programme and parents are encouraged to get their children vaccinated."
