The first diphtheria death in Australia in more than 30 years has sent a chill through public health circles in Britain. A toddler died in New South Wales last week after contracting the bacterial infection. The case raises urgent questions about vaccination rates and health warnings for families planning trips abroad.
Diphtheria is a serious infection that affects the nose, throat and sometimes skin. It can cause breathing difficulties and heart failure. Thanks to widespread vaccination, it is extremely rare in the UK and Australia. But this death shows the disease has not been eradicated. It can return when immunisation coverage slips.
In Britain, the NHS offers the diphtheria vaccine as part of the routine childhood schedule. But uptake has fallen in some areas. Public Health England data shows that in parts of London, fewer than 70 percent of children are fully vaccinated by age two. That is well below the 95 percent threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.
For British families planning holidays to Australia or other regions with travel health warnings, this case is a stark reminder. The Foreign Office does not currently list diphtheria as a specific risk for Australia. But the death should prompt travellers to check their own and their children's vaccination status. Boosters are recommended every ten years for adults.
Dr. Rachel Morrison, a consultant in infectious diseases at a London hospital, said: “This tragedy in Australia is a wake-up call. We have become complacent about diseases we rarely see. But they are only a plane ride away. Anyone who is unsure about their vaccinations should speak to their GP or a travel health clinic before they go.”
The cost of the vaccine is covered by the NHS for those who need it. But some travel clinics charge fees for consultations and jabs. For families on tight budgets, that can be a barrier. One parent told me: “We thought we were up to date, but when I checked our records my booster had expired. The nurse said it would cost £50. That’s a lot when you’re already paying for flights.”
This is not just about Australia. Diphtheria remains endemic in parts of Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. But the Australian case shows that even in wealthy nations with strong health systems, the risk is real if vaccination gaps widen.
The death has already sparked debate about mandatory vaccination for school entry. Australia has strict “no jab, no play” laws for childcare. The UK has weaker rules. Some campaigners are calling for tougher measures to boost uptake. Others warn that mandates can alienate families and fuel misinformation.
What is clear is that the cost of prevention is far lower than the cost of an outbreak. One death is one too many when a simple injection can save lives. For now, the message from public health officials is clear: check your jabs before you travel. Diphtheria is a disease from the past that can still strike in the present.
