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Why Australia is suffering its worst diphtheria outbreak in years
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAustralia is grappling with its largest diphtheria outbreak in decades, with almost 220 cases reported across the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland. The resurgence of the Victorian-era disease is primarily linked to a decline in childhood vaccination rates, which reached a five-year low in 2025. A significant majority of the reported cases involve Indigenous Australians, leading health authorities to partner with Aboriginal agencies to improve immunisation. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed a government support package is being drafted, including additional vaccines and a surge workforce, noting that approximately 25% of cases require hospitalisation. Health authorities are investigating a suspected diphtheria death, which, if confirmed, would be the country's first fatality from the disease in almost a decade. In fullAustralia struggles to contain worst diphtheria outbreak in decades after over 220 cases reportedThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
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sbs.com.au
Australia's diphtheria outbreak may have claimed its first life
One person is believed to have died from diphtheria in the Northern Territory, in what would be the first fatal case of the infectious disease in almost a decade.
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'Doesn't return by chance': Australia's 'deeply concerning' diphtheria outbreak, explained
The vaccine that prevents this "ancient" disease is freely available. Experts say its resurgence is alarming.
