Two confirmed cases of diphtheria in northern NSW

On Saturday evening the North Coast Public Health Unit confirmed that there was a case of diphtheria in a two-year-old child in Northern NSW.

The child, who was not vaccinated against diphtheria, is currently being cared for in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a Queensland hospital and has received diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotics and respiratory support.

The child’s family and close contacts have received post-exposure prophylaxis, which can include antibiotics and immunisation, to reduce the risk of transmission.

The North Coast Public Health Unit says this is the first case of diphtheria of the throat in NSW in a century.

On Sunday evening the Health Unit confirmed a second case of diphtheria of the throat, in a six-year-old child.

This child is a close family contact of the first case announced on Saturday.

No ongoing risk to the broader community

Dr Paul Douglas, Director North Coast Public Health, said there is no ongoing risk to the broader community but families should be alert and review the immunisation status of their children on the Australian Immunisation Register or with their medical provider, to ensure they are up-to-date with all vaccinations. ‘Diphtheria is very rare in Australia due to our longstanding childhood immunisation program. However, the disease has very serious outcomes and can be fatal

Dr Douglas said the diphtheria vaccination is free and readily available from your GP for everyone from six weeks of age. ‘It is important that everyone keeps up to date with their vaccinations.’

Diphtheria is a contagious disease that is spread through coughing and sneezing and can sometimes spread through contact with surfaces contaminated with the bacteria.

For more information on Diphtheria, visit: Diphtheria fact sheet – Fact sheets (nsw.gov.au).