Diphtheria outbreak | Health Department: 'No need to panic'

CAPE TOWN - The health department says there's no need to be concerned about a Diphtheria outbreak at the Pollsmoor prison in Cape Town.

A 19-year-old inmate has died and eight others have been placed in isolation after testing positive.

READ: Diphtheria outbreak | One inmate dead, 8 test positive in Pollsmoor Prison

The health department's Dr Lesley Bamford says there are effective vaccines to fight and prevent the disease.

"We do have very effective vaccines against diphtheria these are offered as part of our child vaccination programme and we offer boosters to children at 6-12 years and in fact we will also be vaccinating pregnant women against diphtheria from next year but really the most important thing is to ensure that our families, children are up to date with their vaccinations," explained Ramford.