A second case of throat diphtheria has been reported in New South Wales.
Diphtheria is a contagious and life-threatening bacterial infection. It affects the throat and tonsils in their most severe form, leading to the formation of a greyish white membrane that can make swallowing and breathing difficult.
The infection can also cause the neck to swell, according to NSW Health, while the toxin formed by the bacteria can cause inflammation of the heart muscle and nerves. This can be fatal in between five and 10% of infected people.
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On Sunday afternoon, the North Coast Public Health Unit confirmed that a second case had been reported in a six-year-old boy in north NSW which is a close family contact of the first case announced on Saturday.
“The child, who was not vaccinated against diphtheria, is currently being cared for at a local health district hospital in north NSW, where he was admitted as a precaution,” NSW Health said.
A young child is in intensive care after contracting the first case of throat diphtheria in NSW in a century. File. Credit: Getty Images / iStockphoto
“Close contacts of children have received post-exposure prophylaxis, which may include antibiotics and immunization, to reduce the risk of transmission.”
The first case – which became the first to be reported to the state since the 1990s – is a two-year-old boy being treated in an intensive care unit at a Queensland hospital and receiving diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotics and respiratory support.
The child was also not vaccinated against diphtheria.
“It can be fatal”
There is no ongoing risk to the community at large, but families should be alert and review the immunization status of their children, said North Coast Director of Public Health Paul Douglas.
“Diphtheria is very rare in Australia because of our long-standing childhood immunization program. However, the disease has very serious consequences and can be fatal,” he said.
“Diphtheria vaccination is free and is available to your GP for everyone from six weeks.”
Diphtheria vaccines are usually given to children from six weeks of age. Credit: AAP
No other cases of throat diphtheria have been reported in NSW this century, but less severe cases have been reported on a few occasions. They have mainly involved skin infections.
Diphtheria was a common cause of death in children until the 1940s, but now occurs primarily in countries with low levels of immunization, according to NSW Health.
The infection is transmitted through coughing and sneezing, and can also be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces.