Diphtheria continues to be monitored across the southern region, with the Week 52, 2025 situational report highlighting ongoing transmission dynamics, contact tracing outcomes, and the public health response. The period from 1 January 2024 to 28 December 2025 shows a measurable burden of disease and carries important lessons for surveillance, vaccination, and community engagement. This article synthesizes the latest official findings, explains what the numbers mean for risk, and outlines the measures intended to curb future cases of respiratory diphtheria.
Key figures for Week 52, 2025
Public health authorities report that between 1 January 2024 and 28 December 2025, a total of 87 confirmed cases of respiratory diphtheria have been identified in the southern region. In addition, 2 probable respiratory diphtheria cases were recorded during the same period, and there are 60 asymptomatic carriers detected through targeted contact tracing efforts. These figures reflect a combination of diagnosed infections and proactive screening aimed at interrupting transmission chains.
What the numbers tell us about transmission
The mix of confirmed, probable, and asymptomatic carriers underscores a core challenge in diphtheria control: many infections can be mild or without symptoms, yet capable of spreading toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Contact tracing remains a critical tool for identifying close contacts, assessing risk, and implementing preventive actions such as vaccination prompts and antibiotic prophylaxis where indicated. The presence of 60 asymptomatic carriers highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage and robust case finding, particularly in settings with close contact or higher vulnerability.
Public health responses and priorities
In response to these findings, health authorities are prioritizing several actions:
– Strengthening surveillance systems to detect new cases promptly, including at points of entry, clinics, and community health centers.
– Expanding vaccination campaigns to ensure communities, especially in the southern region, are up to date with diphtheria immunization schedules.
– Enhancing rapid diagnostic capacity to distinguish respiratory diphtheria from other respiratory illnesses, improving time-to-treatment and isolation where necessary.
– Providing guidance to healthcare workers on clinical management, infection prevention, and post-exposure prophylaxis for close contacts.
– Engaging communities through risk communication that emphasizes the importance of vaccination, early symptom recognition, and adherence to public health measures.
Implications for communities and healthcare providers
For residents, the Week 52, 2025 findings reinforce the need to maintain high vaccination coverage and to seek medical attention promptly for symptoms compatible with diphtheria, such as sore throat, fever, and unique throat membranes. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant for diphtheria presentation, particularly in patients with incomplete immunization or recent exposure. For health systems, the report stresses the value of sustained surveillance funding, training for frontline staff, and cross-border collaboration where regional borders influence transmission pathways.
What comes next
Looking ahead, the focus will be on closing immunity gaps, accelerating booster campaigns where appropriate, and continuing rigorous contact tracing, especially for identified asymptomatic carriers. Transparent reporting, data-driven vaccination strategies, and community engagement will be essential to reduce incidence and prevent outbreaks in the coming months.
In sum, the Week 52, 2025 diphtheria situational report provides a clear snapshot of the current landscape: a measurable disease burden, a substantial number of silent carriers, and a concerted public health effort to prevent transmission through vaccination, surveillance, and proactive care. By translating these data into action, health authorities aim to protect vulnerable populations and move toward a safer regional health environment.
