Australia has recorded its first death from diphtheria in decades, with health authorities declaring a public health emergency as cases of the bacterial infection continue to rise. The patient, an unvaccinated child from northern New South Wales, died last week after presenting with severe respiratory symptoms. This marks the country’s first diphtheria fatality since 1993, though the current outbreak has already infected more than 50 people, primarily in regions with low vaccination coverage.
Dr. Kerry Chant, Chief Health Officer for New South Wales, confirmed the death on Monday, describing it as a tragic but preventable outcome. “We have seen a steady decline in routine childhood immunisations over recent years, particularly in certain communities,” she said. “Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, but it is entirely preventable with the vaccine.”
The outbreak is concentrated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales and parts of Queensland, where vaccination rates have fallen below 70 per cent in some postcodes. The bacteria, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, spreads through respiratory droplets and can cause a thick grey membrane to form in the throat, leading to suffocation. Toxins released by the bacteria can also damage the heart and nervous system.
Australia’s immunisation programme typically includes the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine, given in early childhood. However, hesitancy fuelled by misinformation and logistical barriers in rural areas have created pockets of susceptibility. The Australian Medical Association has called for urgent federal intervention, including mobile vaccination clinics and public awareness campaigns.
Globally, diphtheria has been resurgent in several regions, including parts of Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where outbreaks have overwhelmed health systems. The World Health Organisation estimates that cases worldwide increased by 30 per cent between 2021 and 2022, driven by gaps in routine immunisation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Australia, this death is a stark reminder of how quickly vaccine-preventable diseases can rebound when coverage slips. The country had effectively eliminated diphtheria for decades, with fewer than five cases annually since the 1990s. Now, health officials are racing to contain the outbreak before it spreads to major cities.
“We are dealing with a highly mobile population,” noted Dr. Paul Kelly, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer. “One case in an airport or school could lead to widespread transmission. We must act decisively.”
The death has reignited debate over mandatory vaccinations, with some politicians calling for stricter enforcement of immunisation requirements for school enrolment. Meanwhile, public health teams are conducting contact tracing and offering post-exposure prophylaxis to close contacts of confirmed cases.
For now, the message from health authorities is clear: check your vaccination status. Diphtheria is not a disease of the past; it is a disease of the unvaccinated present.
