Second NSW Diphtheria Case Prompts Vaccine Warning

Two children have been diagnosed with diphtheria of the throat in NSW, the first cases to be detected in the state this century.

An unvaccinated two-year-old and a six-year-old from northern NSW have been diagnosed with the potentially deadly bacterial infection. The toddler is in intensive care, while the second child, who authorities say is a close family contact of the toddler, has been hospitalised.

It’s prompted a warning for parents to ensure their children’s immunisations are up-to-date.

“…This is a very serious disease and can be fatal, so 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 update with all vaccinations,” North Coast Public Health director Dr Paul Douglas said.

The diphtheria vaccination is free and available from GPs for everyone from six weeks old. Australian children are vaccinated at six weeks, four months, six month, 18 months, four years and at the beginning of high school.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria a contagious bacterial infection that’s caused by the spread of a bacterium.

According to the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, when someone catches diphtheria, that bacteria releases a toxin into their body. It infects their upper airways, and sometimes their skin, and a membrane grows across their windpipe. It makes breathing difficult and if the airways become completely blocked it can lead to suffocation or death.

What are diphtheria symptoms?

The symptoms of diphtheria, which usually start between two and five days after catching the infection, include:

sore throat
swallowing problems
mild fever
breathing problems, which may be severe
a grey or green membrane at the back of the throat

How is diphtheria spread?

Diphtheria is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and it’s breathed in by someone else, or when someone touches things an infected person has coughed or sneezed on.

(Main Image: Stock)

34 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 26 Sep 2024
    10:48 am
Crazy to me that we are talking baout something that masses of children would die from many years ago. There is no need for this to be making itself known in this age. Those that avoid vaccines and dont get sick are just very lucky. I am glad that I am 100% protected

- - mom461384 said
  - 14 Oct 2022
    8:09 am
This is very concerning. Hopefully those poor children make a quick recovery.

- - Zmijka86 said
  - 04 Aug 2022
    12:15 pm
I never heard of it before.

- - Lividanke said
  - 18 Jul 2022
    12:18 pm
Wishing these two kids a speedy recovery and hope that we don’t hear of any other kids getting it.

- - tessie said
  - 15 Jul 2022
    1:54 pm
Diphtheria is a disease I haven’t heard of in a long time. Hope they both recover and it’s the last we hear of yet another disease rearing it’s ugly head.

- - mom485263 said
  - 06 Jul 2022
    4:51 pm
Poor kids!

- - mom160289 said
  - 06 Jul 2022
    1:19 pm
I’m so sad and sick of hearing about all this terrible sickness over the last few years.

- - rovermum said
  - 06 Jul 2022
    9:36 am
I haven’t heard of Diptheria in such a long time. Is it a coincidence that older-type illnesses are now being seen again in the midst of Covid. I got Shingles after my first Covid vax.

- - mom101628 said
  - 06 Jul 2022
    12:45 am
Such a pity that Covid disrupted the usual vaccines being given to children. Do hope these two children recover quickly. This disease is one that shouldn’t ever happen these days.

- - Indigo said
  - 05 Jul 2022
    1:44 pm
Wow what is next? It has been a horrible few years and it just keeps on going!

- - romvar said
  - 05 Jul 2022
    11:58 am
This is so scary and it’s an awful disease. Prayers for the children to make a speedy recovery.

- - sharna_booth_weinrowski said
  - 05 Jul 2022
    9:23 am
This really is concerning, vaccinate your children!

- - Ellen said
  - 05 Jul 2022
    8:43 am
This is concerning. I just hope and pray the kids recover well

- - alyise_ said
  - 05 Jul 2022
    8:15 am
this is so bananas to read in print that this is happening

- - sars_angelchik said
  - 05 Jul 2022
    7:34 am
Well, anti vaxxers- this is what happens…

- - mom321588 said
  - 05 Jul 2022
    12:51 am
So sad for the children affected and sad that an eradicated disease has found its way back into the community. Thank goodness I followed the immunisation schedule, I would feel extreme unease if I hadn’t.

- - mom478232 said
  - 05 Jul 2022
    12:41 am
Poor kids! Hope they have a fast recovery. I just vaccinated my four month old

- - Motherhoodmama said
  - 04 Jul 2022
    11:38 pm
So scary! My bub is 5 months hopefully he’s protected enough

- - mom265671 said
  - 04 Jul 2022
    11:18 pm
Oh gosh it sounds very awful and painful. I hope the kids are ok

- - ~Loui~ said
  - 04 Jul 2022
    10:12 pm
I never knew the symptoms of diphtheria. It sounds like an awful disease – especially the membrane that forms and blocks the windpipe! How frightening.