Diphtheria Cases Rise In Northern Territory

The number of diphtheria cases in Australia's Northern Territory has increased to 84 this year. Antihelph reported 37 cases in late March, but updated the figure to 84 today. Officials noted that respiratory cases have increased to 18. Health authorities are urging vaccination to control the outbreak. Health officials in the Northern Territory are addressing a diphtheria outbreak, noting a mortality rate of approximately 5% in certain cases. While current severity levels are lower, officials are pushing vaccination as a key preventative measure. The outbreak is being discussed in the context of declining immunization levels observed since the COVID-19 pandemic. The response includes case detection and contact tracing to manage the spread. The infection is transmitted through coughing and sneezing, particularly among people in overcrowded housing. While five or six cases are typically reported annually, the current outbreak shows unusual spread. The circulating strain appears to have recently emerged, though most cases are reported as mild.