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Volume 32, Number 6—June 2026

Synopsis

Public Health Response to Toxigenic Respiratory Diphtheria Outbreaks at Correctional Facility, South Africa, 2023–2025

Maria JoseComments to Author , Nectarios Papavarnavas, Arifa Parker, Charlene Lawrence, Janine Bezuidenhout, Levani Naidoo, Yolanda Cottee, Kathryn Grammer, Wentzel Dowling, Jocelyn Moyes, Anne von Gottberg, Mignon du Plessis, and Hassan Mahomed
Author affiliation: Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, Cape Town, South Africa (M. Jose, N. Papavarnavas, A. Parker, C. Lawrence, J. Bezuidenhout, L. Naidoo, Y. Cottee, H. Mahomed); University of Cape Town, Cape Town (M. Jose, N. Papavarnavas, W. Dowling); Stellenbosch University, Cape Town (A. Parker, K. Grammer, H. Mahomed); National Health Laboratory Service at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town (W. Dowling); National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa (J. Moyes, A. von Gottberg, M. du Plessis); University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (A. von Gottberg, M. du Plessis)

Main Article

Figure

Epidemiologic curve for 3 outbreaks of toxigenic diphtheria at a correctional facility, Cape Town, South Africa, October 2023–February 2025. The outbreaks comprised 37 cases. Outbreak 1 control measures: extended vaccination campaign to staff and inmates, deep cleaning of affected section, no visitors to affected section of facility, and postponed court dates. Outbreak 2 control measure: an extended vaccine campaign to detainees in affected section of facility. Outbreak 3 control measures: extended vaccination campaign amongst detainees and staff, deep cleaning of facility, and personal protective equipment issued to visitors.

Figure. Epidemiologic curve for 3 outbreaks of toxigenic diphtheria at a correctional facility, Cape Town, South Africa, October 2023–February 2025. The outbreaks comprised 37 cases. Outbreak 1 control measures: extended vaccination campaign to staff and inmates, deep cleaning of affected section, no visitors to affected section of facility, and postponed court dates. Outbreak 2 control measure: an extended vaccine campaign to detainees in affected section of facility. Outbreak 3 control measures: extended vaccination campaign amongst detainees and staff, deep cleaning of facility, and personal protective equipment issued to visitors.

Main Article

Page created: April 30, 2026
Page updated: June 01, 2026
Page reviewed: June 01, 2026
The conclusions, findings, and opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.
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