Diphtheria Resurgence in Australia: Understanding the Outbreak and New Vaccine
A forgotten disease returns: Why Diphtheria is resurfacing in 2026 and what you need to know about the new indigenous Td vaccine
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, is resurfacing in Australia, particularly in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, with 17 respiratory and 60 cutaneous cases reported since 2026. The Indian government has responded by launching a new Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine to enhance immunization efforts and combat this resurgence.
- 01Diphtheria cases are rising in Australia after decades of control.
- 0217 respiratory and 60 cutaneous diphtheria cases reported in the Northern Territory since March 2026.
- 03The Indian government has launched a new Td vaccine to improve adult immunization.
- 04Gaps in vaccination and waning immunity are contributing to the disease's resurgence.
- 05Early recognition and treatment are crucial for effective management of diphtheria.
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Diphtheria, once largely controlled in Australia, is making a comeback with outbreaks reported in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. As of March 2026, there have been 17 cases of respiratory diphtheria and 60 cases of cutaneous diphtheria in the Northern Territory. This resurgence is alarming, especially since the disease had been rare since the 1950s due to effective vaccination campaigns. The World Health Organization warns that diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets and can be fatal, particularly in unvaccinated individuals. In response, India has launched an indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine to bolster adult immunization and reduce susceptibility to infections. Experts attribute the resurgence to gaps in vaccination coverage and waning immunity among adults. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, and a characteristic thick grey membrane in the throat. Early treatment with antitoxin and antibiotics is effective, but vaccination remains the best prevention method to avoid outbreaks.
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The resurgence of diphtheria poses a significant health risk, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. Individuals, particularly adults, are encouraged to get vaccinated to prevent further outbreaks.
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