Diphtheria outbreak kills three children in Sudan’s capital

October 10, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – Three children have died and 12 others have been infected in a diphtheria outbreak over the past week in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, the Sudan Doctors Syndicate said on Friday.

The 15 cases, including the three fatalities, were all recorded in the Jereif East area of the city, Dr. Adiba Ibrahim Al-Sayed, an epidemiology specialist and member of the syndicate’s preliminary committee, told Sudan Tribune.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection whose symptoms include a severe sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, toxins can enter the bloodstream, leading to a coma and death. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing or through contact with an infected person’s personal items.

Dr. Al-Sayed urged families to ensure their children receive the diphtheria vaccine, which is part of Sudan’s routine childhood immunization program, and to maintain strict personal hygiene. She advised that anyone showing symptoms should be isolated and taken to the nearest health centre immediately.

The doctors’ syndicate appealed to Sudan’s Ministry of Health to raise public awareness and officially report cases to curb the spread. It also called on international health organizations for urgent intervention to save the lives of Sudanese children.