Australia Confirms First Diphtheria Death in a Decade Amidst Outbreak

Kathmandu. Diphtheria outbreak has caused the most serious health crisis in Australia in recent years. The country has confirmed the first death from this disease in nearly a decade. The outbreak intensified in Australia's Northern Territory, leading to the formal declaration of a state of emergency in March. Additionally, infected patients have been found in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. This year alone, nearly 245 cases of diphtheria have been detected, considered the largest outbreak since 1991. The infection has been particularly prevalent in remote Aboriginal communities. A man in the Northern Territory died in a Darwin hospital in April. Although initial tests were inconclusive, subsequent autopsy reports have confirmed diphtheria as the cause of death. This is the first death since 2018. Health officials have intensified vaccination campaigns in recent weeks, indicating a decline in new infections. Over 10,000 vaccines have been administered since March. According to Northern Territory Health, vaccination is the most effective measure for disease control. Therefore, temporary vaccination centers have been established in affected areas, urging people to get booster doses. Diphtheria has two forms: respiratory and cutaneous. Both can be prevented by vaccination. Children typically receive an initial five doses, with boosters administered during adolescence. Respiratory diphtheria can cause sore throat, fever, and breathing difficulties, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. The cutaneous form usually appears as a wound or ulcer but is generally not severe. Australia's Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd has declared this a national communicable disease event. The government has also announced an emergency package of approximately 7.2 million Australian dollars for outbreak control and vaccine expansion. According to experts, although the number of new infections has been declining, the risk remains in communities with insufficient vaccination rates. Therefore, health officials are continuously urging especially adolescents and adults to get booster shots.