A case report of an 11 year old boy with a fatal sore throat: Corynebacterium diphtheria - Does it still occur ?

Abstract

An 11-year old child presented with a sore throat due to diphtheria, and died in hospital two days later from the disease. Only four cases of diphtheria have been reported in South Africa since 2000, and none since 2005. The clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnosis, and management of diphtheria are discussed. Despite an established immunisation programme, isolated cases of diphtheria still occur in South Africa, and with
international travel, should form part of the differential diagnosis of sore throats anywhere, as treatment has to be instituted promptly to ensure a favourable outcome.