Australia Confirms First Diphtheria Death in a Decade Amidst Outbreak
Summary
Australia has confirmed its first diphtheria death in nearly a decade amid the largest outbreak since 1991, mostly affecting remote Aboriginal communities. Health officials have intensified vaccination efforts to control the spread.
Key Points
- Australia has confirmed the first diphtheria death in nearly a decade during the largest outbreak since 1991.
- The outbreak has primarily affected remote Aboriginal communities, with cases in Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland.
- Health officials have ramped up vaccination campaigns, administering over 10,000 vaccines since March.
- The government announced a 7.2 million Australian dollar emergency package to control the outbreak and expand vaccination.
