What is diphtheria and how does it spread?

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae that primarily affects the throat and upper airways, producing a toxin that can damage the heart and nerves. It spreads through respiratory droplets and close physical contact.

What are the early symptoms of diphtheria?

Early symptoms typically include a sore throat, mild fever, and fatigue, distinguished by a thick greyish membrane over the throat or tonsils, which can obstruct breathing. Swollen neck glands may also occur.

How effective are diphtheria treatments like antitoxin and antibiotics?

Diphtheria antitoxin is highly effective at neutralizing circulating toxin, while antibiotics eliminate the bacteria. However, treatment does not reverse damage already caused by the toxin, emphasizing the need for timely intervention and vaccination.

Home / Health / Diphtheria's Ghost: Australia Faces Resurgent Threat

Diphtheria's Ghost: Australia Faces Resurgent Threat

24 Apr

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Summary

Diphtheria outbreaks reported in Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Seventeen respiratory and sixty cutaneous diphtheria cases recorded in NT.
Resurgence highlights importance of vaccination and timely treatment.

Diphtheria's Ghost: Australia Faces Resurgent Threat

After decades of being largely controlled, diphtheria has resurfaced in parts of Australia, with outbreaks reported in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. As of March 23, 2026, seventeen cases of respiratory diphtheria and sixty cases of cutaneous diphtheria have been recorded in the Northern Territory since May 2025. Cases have also been reported in Western Australia's Kimberly region this year. This reappearance is notable as diphtheria had been rare since the 1950s due to widespread vaccination.

The disease, caused by toxin-producing bacteria, spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact. Early symptoms include a sore throat, mild fever, and fatigue, with a characteristic greyish membrane forming in the throat that can obstruct breathing. Cutaneous diphtheria presents as non-healing skin ulcers. Diphtheria can affect anyone but was most common in unvaccinated children.