Australia Records First Diphtheria Death Since 2018

Australia has recorded its first death from diphtheria since 2018, marking a rare occurrence of the potentially fatal bacterial infection. Diphtheria is a preventable disease through vaccination, which forms part of standard childhood immunization programs in most developed countries. The bacterial infection primarily affects the throat and upper respiratory system and can be fatal if left untreated, but has become extremely rare in countries with comprehensive vaccination coverage.