Australia is confronting its most severe diphtheria outbreak since national reporting commenced, as health authorities warn that declining vaccination rates are enabling the once-rare disease to proliferate across several states.
At least 226 cases of diphtheria have been confirmed this year, with infections recorded in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. The federal government has rolled out emergency funding to contain the spread.
The outbreak coincides with childhood immunisation rates falling to their lowest level in five years. Australian Medical Association president Danielle McMullen told Sunrise on Thursday that the decline in vaccination coverage is driving the surge in cases.
“We have, over the years, seen a smattering of diphtheria cases but, unfortunately, with the falling immunisation rates, we are now seeing our largest outbreak in decades,” McMullen said.
She pushed back on claims that the outbreak was brought into Australia by overseas travellers, stating that some cases originated locally and “have now spread through communities in some of our remote parts of the country.”
“It’s a really important reminder that illnesses may be forgotten, but they can always stage a comeback and we’ve really got to keep immunisation rates up,” she added.
The Albanese Government has announced a $7.2 million funding package to help contain the outbreak. Extra doctors and nurses will be deployed into hard-hit communities in the Northern Territory. The funding will also be used to deliver booster vaccinations and treatment, and secure more vaccines and antibiotics as hospitals and Aboriginal community-controlled health services battle rising case numbers.
An additional $2 million will go towards supporting Aboriginal health organisations and local services in affected communities across the NT and other impacted states.
What Does Diphtheria Look Like?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can affect the skin or respiratory system and can quickly become life-threatening. The disease can appear as painful sores and ulcers on the skin that fail to heal, or as a respiratory infection causing severe throat pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
The bacteria also produce a toxin capable of damaging the heart and nervous system, making severe cases particularly dangerous. While diphtheria can be treated with antibiotics and antitoxins, doctors warn that treatment is not always successful once the toxin has spread through the body.
At least one death has already been linked to the current outbreak.
