<
https://theconversation.com/australia-is-battling-its-worst-diphtheria-outbreak-in-decades-but-vaccines-could-curb-it-283362>
"Health authorities are urging people to get vaccinated, as a potentially
deadly infection spreads across four Australian states.
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by the toxin-producing bacteria,
Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It spreads through contact with an infected
person’s bodily fluids – such as droplets produced from coughing or sneezing –
or skin sores.
Since January, Australia has recorded more than 220 diphtheria cases, in the
worst outbreak the country’s seen in decades. As of Thursday, there were 139
cases in the Northern Territory, 82 in Western Australia, seven in South
Australia and three in Queensland.
The federal government has announced a A$7.2 million emergency support package,
which aims to boost vaccination rates and strengthen the health workforce in
states affected by the current diphtheria outbreak.
So is it still spreading? And should you be concerned?"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
