Diphtheria
Version: November 2025
Introduction
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affecting the respiratory tract. The disease is marked by a sore throat, fever, and a thick membrane on the throat, potentially leading to breathing issues and heart failure. Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with an infected person. Vaccination, usually through the DTaP vaccine, effectively prevents diphtheria. While vaccination has reduced cases in many areas, diphtheria remains a threat where vaccination rates are low. Early diagnosis and treatment using antitoxins and antibiotics are vital for managing infection and preventing severe complications.
Highlights
- Sporadic Incidence: Diphtheria cases in mainland China have been infrequent, with isolated instances reported in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, each having 1 case and zero deaths.
- No Recent Cases: From July 2023 to November 2025, there have been no cases or deaths, indicating successful prevention efforts and a declining trend.
- Effective Control: The absence of recent cases reflects robust control measures, possibly from comprehensive vaccination programs.
- Zero Mortality: There have been no deaths throughout the period, highlighting the effectiveness of medical interventions for the sporadic occurrences.
Analysis
Cases Analysis
The reported data on diphtheria cases in Chinese mainland from 2015 to 2025 reveals an exceptionally low number of occurrences, with only five cases noted over the span of these years. In 2016, one case was recorded in October, followed by another single case in June 2018. For the following years up to 2025, sporadic cases were reported: one each in August and September of 2020, July of 2021, July of 2022, and June of 2023, with no associated deaths throughout this period. This data indicates a remarkably low incidence rate for diphtheria in Chinese mainland, spanning over a decade with long periods absent of any reported cases.
The minimal number of diphtheria cases and the absence of fatalities can be attributed to effective public health measures, such as widespread immunization programs and robust disease surveillance systems in China. The sporadic instances of the disease suggest that while the pathogen still exists, its transmission is effectively controlled. The widespread immunization efforts likely ensure community-wide immunity, preventing the resurgence of diphtheria. Additionally, these findings could reflect the overall advanced healthcare infrastructure and vigilant public health responses in place to minimize the spread of infectious diseases, alongside strong governmental policies prioritizing disease prevention and health education.
Deaths Analysis
The analysis of diphtheria-related deaths in mainland China from November 2015 through October 2025 reveals a highly successful public health achievement in controlling this infectious disease. Since November 2015, there have been a total of six reported cases of diphtheria, occurring sporadically over the entire decade, with instances detected in October 2016, June 2018, August and September 2020, July 2021, July 2022, and June 2023. Notably, there have been no reported deaths associated with these cases. This data suggests an extremely low transmission rate of the disease, paired with effective prevention measures, likely including widespread vaccination efforts.
Such an outcome implies strong public health infrastructure and commitment to controlling vaccine-preventable diseases. The absence of deaths, despite a few isolated cases, may be attributed to early detection and prompt treatment of infected individuals, effective isolation protocols, and possibly, the immunity conferred by prior vaccinations within the population. These factors collectively illustrate a robust healthcare response that effectively mitigates potential outbreaks and underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent resurgence. This continuous success in preventing mortality and controlling case numbers highlights ongoing vigilance and the robustness of public health interventions against diphtheria in the region.