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Diphtheria resurging in Australia, experts issue warnings

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 21 May 2026, 5:39pm
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, illustration - stock illustration
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, illustration - stock illustration

Diphtheria resurging in Australia, experts issue warnings

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 21 May 2026, 5:39pm

Australian media is reporting over 230 cases of diphtheria in 2026, primarily in the Northern Territory, but also in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

The outbreak is the largest in decades, with the disease previously considered largely eradicated - and one person has reportedly died as a result.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the federal Government aims to get workforce numbers up in order to boost vaccinations amid the ongoing outbreak.

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