Cumulative cases since outbreak start — WHO bulletin dated 2026-03-08
Official report date — in isolated zones, field onset typically precedes this by days to weeks.
The exact nature of this date (week of confirmation, transmission period, or bulletin publication date) is not specified by the source.
WHO Rapid Risk Assessment (16 March 2026): South Africa has reported 404 diphtheria cases (96 lab-confirmed respiratory) and 19 deaths among probable/confirmed respiratory cases (CFR 19%) as of 8 March 2026, concentrated in the Western Cape (77% of cases). WHO notes the outbreak has not been officially declared by national authorities and only sporadic cases are now being reported. Clusters have been documented in correctional facilities.
Case trend
First actions
- →Log in national surveillance system — continue routine monitoring
- →Compare with seasonal baseline for this region and disease
- →Include in weekly surveillance briefing — escalate if trend worsens (▲ cases or CFR)
Cite this page (Vancouver)
HealthWatch Global. Diphtheria outbreak — South Africa [Internet]. 2026-03-08 [cited 2026 Aug 19]. Available from: https://healthwatch-global.com/en/outbreak/fcd9ac15-fe6e-4a2a-82ea-2677019cf0a7. Data source: WHO.
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