Diphtheria returns to Australia as outbreak grows, here's what to know
Cases of diphtheria, which had been all but absent in Australia for years, are climbing again after a string of recent diagnoses. According to ABC News, authorities confirm that case numbers are rising and have asked the public to be alert in regions with lower vaccination coverage. Health officials are urging vaccination, particularly for children.
Diphtheria, kept under control in Australia for more than a decade, has put health authorities on alert after a string of positive cases in recent weeks. According to ABC News, most of the cases have been recorded in Queensland and New South Wales. Officials stressed that the disease spreads through contact and that early diagnosis is important.
Diphtheria, a respiratory illness caused by a bacterium, has been rare in most developed countries since the spread of vaccination programmes. Health authorities suggest that lower vaccination uptake in some communities has created room for the case count to rise. Additional hospital-bed planning has been set up, while officials say vaccine stocks are sufficient.
The federal health ministry has reiterated guidance on the childhood immunisation schedule and announced regular coordination with state authorities. Renewed school vaccination programmes and awareness campaigns are on the table. New Zealand, Australia's neighbour, says cross-border health screening continues.
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