First case of diphtheria detected in NSW this century- Australia

[Mary Wilson]

July 2, 2022 — 10.18pm

By Pallavi Singhal

A case of diphtheria of the throat, a contagious and potentially deadly disease, has been confirmed in a two-year-old in northern NSW.

It is the first time the disease has been detected in NSW this century.

The child, who was not vaccinated, is currently in an intensive care unit in Queensland, the northern NSW health district said in a statement.

“Diphtheria is very rare in Australia due to our longstanding childhood immunisation program,” director of North Coast Public Health Dr Paul Douglas said.

“However, the disease has very serious outcomes and can be fatal.”

The disease is contagious and can be spread through coughing, sneezing and occasionally through contact with contaminated surfaces.

Health authorities said the infected child’s family and close contacts have received antibiotics or immunisation to reduce the risk of further transmission and there is no ongoing risk to the community.

https://www.smh.com.au/healthcare/f...cted-in-nsw-this-century-20220702-p5aylj.html

 

[Mary Wilson]

Diphtheria identified in two children in northern New South Wales, one child in ICU

Posted 11h ago11 hours ago, updated 10h ago

By Bronwyn Herbert

Two unvaccinated children from the far north coast of New South Wales have contracted rare cases of diphtheria of the throat.

NSW Health confirmed on Saturday that an unvaccinated toddler was in intensive care in a Queensland hospital after contracting the infection.

Now a close family contact, aged 6, has also tested positive and is in hospital care.

"The child was not immunised and had the classic features of what you would see with diphtheria."

These include a greyish-green fluid on the back of their throat and tonsils, a fever, and sore throat.

... The children are receiving antibiotics, other close contacts are being monitored and have been provided antibiotic therapy and anti-toxins.

Dr Douglas said he was concerned about vaccine fatigue and hesitancy following the COVID vaccine roll out.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07...ustralia-unvaccinated-toddler-child/101204572