Diphtheria outbreak declared in a South African prison

A diphtheria outbreak has been declared at South Africa’s Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison following the death of a 19-year-old inmate.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla said the male inmate, who contracted the disease last month, died on Sunday.

Eight more inmates are in isolation after testing positive for the disease.

“Two staff members who displayed symptoms are awaiting their results,” Dr Phaahla added.

He said that a vaccination drive in the affected section of the prison is under way.