Australia Confirms First Diphtheria Death Amid Worst Outbreak in Decades
Key Points Australia’s Northern Territory has confirmed the country’s first diphtheria death in decades, marking the worst diphtheria outbreak Australia has faced in generations. Details According to BBC, most cases are concentrated in the Northern Territory, with additional cases reported in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. Health departments have launched emergency vaccination and contact tracing campaigns. Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection spread through respiratory droplets that can cause breathing difficulties, heart failure, and death. Before widespread vaccination, it was a leading cause of childhood mortality. The current outbreak reflects declining vaccination rates in some communities. ...