North West residents and children should check their diphtheria immunisations are up to date, following a diphtheria outbreak across the Top End of Australia. It has just been designated a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance.
Public Health Director Dr Steven Donohue said while there had been no confirmed diphtheria cases in the North West at this time, recent cases in NT, WA, SA and Queensland demanded better immunisation, early recognition and treatment.
“Diphtheria is a serious infection with toxic bacteria that can affect the throat, nose or skin and sometimes other organs,” Dr Donohue said.
“It can cause severe inflammation, breathing difficulties and skin sores or ulcers. In some cases, the toxin damages the heart and nervous system, particularly in people who are not immunised.”
Dr Donohue said diphtheria could spread through coughing, sneezing or close contact with infected skin lesions.
“People can carry diphtheria bacteria without realising they are unwell, which is why immunisations and boosters remain our best protection,” he said.
“The good news is diphtheria vaccines are safe, effective and readily available.”
Dr Donohue encouraged families to ensure children received all routine childhood vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program which include diphtheria protection.
“Children should receive vaccinations at two, four and six months of age, with booster doses at 18 months, four years old and again in Year 7 through the School Immunisation Program,” he said.
“Adults should receive booster vaccinations every 10 years, and vaccination is also recommended during every pregnancy.”
“For adults, diphtheria is generally combined with whooping cough (pertussis) and tetanus vaccines, including the Adacel and Boostrix brands. These are being offered free to high-risk Indigenous communities.
“Unimmunised babies and adults who never received a booster could become extremely unwell,’’ he said.
Dr Donohue said residents should seek medical advice if they develop symptoms such as:
- sore throat
- fever
- swollen neck glands
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- chronic or non-healing skin sores or ulcers
“Anyone with concerning symptoms should contact their local clinic or healthcare provider promptly, particularly if they have had close contact with a known case,” he said.
“We also encourage people to keep skin sores clean and covered, practice good hand hygiene, and stay home when sick to help reduce the spread of illness.”
To check your immunisation status, visit Check immunisation history | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Booster vaccinations are available through local pharmacies, health clinics and GP services across the North West, including Gidgee Healing. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to their healthcare provider to confirm immunisation availability.
More information about diphtheria is available via Queensland Health.
To learn more about diphtheria, visit the Australian Centre for Disease Control -Diphtheria | Australian Centre for Disease Control