Cape Town - Over 300 people living in the Philippi farmlands have been tested for diphtheria following the death of an elderly woman in the Riemvasmaak informal settlement last week.
The incident saw City health workers descend on various informal settlements in Philippi and Lotus River amid concerns after another woman was hospitalised with the virus.
Diphtheria is an uncommon, vaccine-preventable infection caused by a toxin-producing bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheria.
It may lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems, and death.
The bacteria spreads from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Western Cape Health Department spokesperson, Byron La Hoe, said there were three confirmed cases in the Western Cape with two suspected cases currently being investigated.
“The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is calling for vigilance and appealing to residents not to panic after three laboratory-confirmed cases of the diphtheria disease were recently identified in the Cape metropole district.
“Two additional suspected diphtheria cases are currently being investigated. The confirmed cases presented to our facilities were identified between the end of November and 11 December.”
He confirmed that one death had been recorded and contact tracing efforts are under way.
“The ages of all cases confirmed and suspected range from 19 to 34 years. One confirmed case sadly passed away on December 5.
“Contact tracing efforts are ongoing to detect close contacts, provide prophylaxis, and treat symptomatic cases.
“In addition, vaccination of individuals at risk is being carried out in the Cape metropole district.
“The department is working closely with all partners including the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and Department of Correctional Services in managing these cases.”
Mayco member for health, Patricia van der Ross, said residents living in Phumlani Village were spooked by the news, prompting them to seek her out at her home.
“They came to my door to tell me people were sick.
“What we understand is that tests were conducted on 18 individuals who are family and those living in close proximity to the deceased and the results were negative.
“At this stage the origin is not known. It is unclear who she contracted it from.”
Van der Ross said healthcare workers along with community leaders took to the streets where they tested 308 individuals to see if the infection had spread.
“We went to various informal settlements including Riemvasmaak, Phumlani Village, Egoli and others.
“In total we tested 308 individuals and completed vaccinations as far as possible.
“The community leaders really helped us to make sure the issue could be addressed.”
Van der Ross said concerned residents who fear they may be experiencing symptoms can visit a local clinic to be tested.
“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.”