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Last week, a 19-year-old inmate died at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre after becoming infected with diphtheria.

Since then, eight others have tested positive for the contagious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that creates a toxin-producing strain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae or, more rarely, Corynebacterium ulcerans or Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.

The rare bacterial infection spreads through contact with respiratory droplets or hand-to-mouth contact with secretions from an infected person’s mouth, nose, throat or skin, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).

Prisons boss Makgothi Thobakgale says at least 342 inmates and 36 officials have been vaccinated after the outbreak and that the disease is under control, per TimesLIVE:

“We are leaving nothing to chance. Health education efforts to inform inmates, department of correctional services officials and service providers about the symptoms of diphtheria, the importance of vaccination, and preventive measures are being amplified,” the national correctional services commissioner said on Monday.

It is confirmed that inmates and staff are following strict hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, sanitising and wearing masks to mitigate the spread of the disease. Health teams have also been available to treat affected inmates.

“Our healthcare team is vigilant in monitoring the situation, and the infection prevention measures are for every individual in correctional facility to follow. The situation is calm and under control. No new cases have been reported in the past five days,” he said.

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla confirmed that the 19-year-old male showed symptoms of the potentially deadly infection on October 28 and was transferred to Victoria Hospital for treatment. However, he later died at Groote Schuur Hospital on November 5.

Thobakgale added that 154 inmates and 15 correctional services officials were identified as having been in contact with the deceased, while three others had shown symptoms and were recovering at home.

News24 notes that the NICD issued a diphtheria alert as early as April this year after confirming a case in a child in the Western Cape and another in an adult in KwaZulu-Natal.

Let’s hope the vaccination drive, hygiene practices and deep cleans at Pollsmoor means this disease won’t spread further.

[source:timeslive]