Australia is facing its largest diphtheria outbreak since national reporting began, with health authorities warning falling vaccination rates are allowing the once-rare disease to spread across multiple states.
At least 226 cases of diphtheria have been confirmed this year, with infections recorded across the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland as the federal government rolls out emergency funding to contain the spread.
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The outbreak comes as childhood immunisation rates fall to their lowest level in five years.
Australian Medical Association president Danielle McMullen told Sunrise on Thursday the decline in vaccination coverage was 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 the outbreak had been brought into Australia by overseas travellers, saying we had some cases here that “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.”
The Albanese Government has announced a $7.2 million funding package to help contain the outbreak, with extra doctors and nurses to 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.
Another $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 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.