Diphtheria outbreak claims life of teenage inmate at Pollsmoor Prison

A total of 54 inmates at the Pollsmoor correctional centre have been placed in isolation following a diphtheria outbreak that has claimed the life of a 19-year-old detainee at the facility. 

The inmate, who tested positive for the bacterial infection that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, died at Groote Schuur Hospital on November 5.

The detainee showed signs of malaise and respiratory symptoms and was transferred to Victoria Hospital last month after the correctional service health department attempted to treat him and eventually decided to take him to another hospital. 

National commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale said of the 54 inmates who were in the same sections as the deceased, eight tested positive.

“We have 15 correctional services officials that were identified as contacts, with only three presenting symptoms. They were tested and released to isolate at home. The provisional results have since come back negative, awaiting confirmatory results,” said Thobakgale.

Thobakgale said the department introduced proactive measures to halt the spread of the disease within the centres.

Pollsmoor has now implemented health safety measures to mitigate spreading within the correctional services settings. So far, 342 inmates have received vaccinations and 36 of their staff officials. There are also hygienic practices in place that include constant regular hand washing and sanitisation as well as screening. 

“We are doing this because we also know that a diphtheria outbreak in a correctional environment requires a coordinated and comprehensive response, in order to contain the spread and provide appropriate medical care to the affected individuals.

"The department of health is also working closely with us [correctional services] in this regard thus ensuring a comprehensive response plan,” said Thobakgale.

The national commissioner added that the department of health in the Western Cape was also informed.

“We assure the public and stakeholders that we are taking proactive measures to address and contain any possible spread of the disease,” said Thobakgale.

ratsatsik@sowetan.co.za