While diphtheria is now rare, health authorities say vaccine coverage has waned since the COVID pandemic<\/a>, which could be the reason for the rising number of cases nationally.<\/p>\n The NT has recorded 126 cases this year, according to the National Communicable Diseases Surveillance System<\/a>.<\/p>\n In the Kimberley region of Western Australia, cases have tripled to at least 27<\/a> in the past month alone. Five cases have also been reported in South Australia, and another two in Queensland this year.<\/p>\n Here’s what to know about the disease, how it spreads, and why health authorities are concerned about its return.<\/p>\n What is diphtheria?<\/p>\n Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection.<\/p>\n According to the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC), it is caused by the toxin-producing strains of the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae or Corynebacterium ulcerans.<\/p>\n It can infect the nose, throat and airways, or the skin.<\/p>\n How does it spread? Diphtheria can spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes. (Getty Images: Science Photo Library)<\/p>\n It spreads in one of two ways, depending on which part of the body is infected.<\/p>\n Respiratory diphtheria spreads through droplets from coughs and sneezes.<\/p>\n Cutaneous diphtheria spreads through direct contact with infected skin sores.<\/p>\n What are the symptoms?<\/p>\n Respiratory diphtheria usually starts with fever, sore throat, loss of appetite and a general feeling of being unwell, the CDC says.<\/p>\n Within days, a thick greyish-white membrane may form over the throat and tonsils, making it hard to swallow and breathe.<\/p>\n In severe cases, it can block the airway, causing death from asphyxia.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, cutaneous diphtheria causes slow-healing skin ulcers, usually on the arms or legs. It is generally less severe than the respiratory form of the disease, the CDC says.<\/p>\n How is it treated?<\/p>\n The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) says both forms of the disease need prompt antibiotic treatment to clear the bacteria and reduce spread.<\/p>\n Respiratory diphtheria may also require diphtheria antitoxin, which must be given early before the toxin enters cells and causes irreversible damage.<\/p>\n But global supplies are limited because cases are now rare and production has declined.<\/p>\n Even with treatment, the CDC warns that up to 1 in 10 people with respiratory diphtheria will die.<\/p>\n How can it be prevented? Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease that has been linked to deadly outbreaks through history. (ABC News: Michael Lloyd)<\/p>\n The CDC says vaccination is the best protection against the disease.<\/p>\n Before vaccines were introduced, more than 4,000 Australians<\/a> died from diphtheria between 1926 and 1935, according to the NCIRS.<\/p>\n Diphtheria vaccines are part of Australia’s National Immunisation Program<\/a> and are given in childhood, with booster doses recommended later in life.<\/p>\n In light of recent outbreaks in the NT and WA, local authorities have urged Australians to stay up-to-date with vaccinations.<\/p>\n NT diphtheria cases more than double<\/a><\/p>\n Cases of a deadly, vaccine-preventable strain of diphtheria have now risen to 18, after the Centre for Disease Control first declared out outbreak last month.\u00a0<\/p>\n Peak Aboriginal health body AMSANT has worked closely with NT Health on what it describes as a “strong public health response”<\/a> to the outbreak.<\/p>\n AMSANT chief executive Donna Ah Chee said it was important that people protected themselves and their family members by staying up to date with vaccinations.<\/p>\n “In the Northern Territory, factors such as overcrowded housing, remoteness and limited access to care can increase transmission,” she said.<\/p>\n “These outbreaks tend to have the greatest impact on the most vulnerable people in our communities, such as those at higher risk or with barriers to accessing health care, which is why the response must be targeted, accessible and culturally safe.<\/p>\n “We are seeing that people who are vaccinated are much less likely to become seriously unwell. There is effective treatment available, but getting care early is critical.”<\/p>\n Why are cases reappearing?<\/p>\n Health authorities say outbreaks can occur when immunity falls, booster rates decline, or the disease is imported through overseas travel.<\/p>\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2ecfc51e3f6d6a95ac1cd617010e7f74.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0c0c7a8943282b9d6b0b4b8700163d46.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n