Source : Perth Now news
A severe case of respiratory diphtheria has been detected in the Perth metropolitan area sparking a fresh vaccination push.
The Perth case comes as the wider WA outbreak continues to grow, with 224 diphtheria cases now notified across regional WA.
The outbreak previously spread through the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields and Mid West, with the Kimberley the worst affected region with 135 cases.
Earlier figures also showed 31 in the Pilbara and four in the Goldfields, while a case in the Mid West confirmed the infection was moving south.
Of the 170 regional cases at that point, 104 were skin infections and 66 were respiratory infections, including two severe cases.
Authorities are now undertaking contact tracing, with high-risk contacts being offered testing, antibiotics and vaccination where required.
WA Health Director of communicable disease control Dr Paul Armstrong said vaccination was the most effective protection.
“We particularly want to increase vaccination among adolescents and adults, and I strongly encourage anyone eligible to take up the offer,” Dr Armstrong said.
Diphtheria can cause infections of the skin or throat, but respiratory diphtheria is the greatest concern because severe cases can become life-threatening. It can begin with symptoms including a sore throat before progressing to difficulty breathing, while complications can include heart and nerve damage.
The infection can spread through close contact with respiratory droplets, infected skin sores or contaminated items such as bandages and shared towels.
Australia recorded one death from diphtheria this year, the country’s first fatality from the disease since 2018.
