'Adults should get diphtheria booster vaccine amid rising cases' - SR Shanthi Smith, Netcare Medicross
Diphtheria cases are on the rise, and past vaccinations may not be enough, warns Smith.
Picture: 123rf.com/Iurii Golub
CapeTalk’s Clarence Ford speaks with SR Shanthi Smith, regional clinical manager for Netcare Medicross, KwaZulu-Natal.
Listen below:
Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially deadly bacterial infection.
It spreads through droplets in the air which are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The disease can appear in two forms: respiratory diphtheria, affecting the throat and airways, and cutaneous diphtheria, which impacts the skin.
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and swollen glands in the neck.
Between January and March 2025, there were 36 confirmed cases across South Africa, and nine lives were lost.
78% of the cases were adults.
Smith says adults will need a booster dose of the diphtheria vaccine to ensure they are protected.
“It is crucial that we raise awareness and share reliable information.”
- Sr Shanthi Smith, Netcare Medicross
RELATED: Is your child's vaccinations up to date? NICD warns of rise in diphtheria cases
Research suggests adults should get a diphtheria vaccine every 10 years.
“Your health is in your hands and together we can make a difference and create a healthy future.”
- Sr Shanthi Smith, Netcare Medicross
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview for more.