A second case of diphtheria of the throat affecting a child has been documented in NSW this century.
The six-year-old in northern New South Wales is a close family member of the child who was the initial instance reported on Saturday and is still receiving urgent care.
The newly diagnosed youngster, who was not diphtheria-immunized, is receiving care in a neighborhood health facility after being hospitalized as a precaution.
A potentially fatal bacterial illness, diphtheria is infectious.
In its most severe form, it affects the tonsils and throat, causing a greyish-white membrane to grow that may make it difficult to breathe and swallow.
According to NSW Health, the infection can also result in swelling of the neck, and the bacterial toxin can result in inflammation of the nerves and heart muscle.
Five to ten percent of those who contract it can die as a result.
To lessen the risk of transmission, post-exposure prophylaxis has been given to other close contacts of the two young children.
Post-exposure prophylaxis can include antibiotics and immunisation.
North Coast Public Health director Paul Douglas said there was no ongoing risk to the broader community but families should be alert and review their children’s immunisation status.
‘Diphtheria is very rare in Australia due to our longstanding childhood immunisation program. However, the disease has very serious outcomes and can be fatal,’ he said.
‘The diphtheria vaccination is free and readily available from your GP for everyone from six weeks of age.’
Diphtheria was a common cause of death in children up until the 1940s but it now occurs mainly in countries with poor immunisation levels, according to NSW Health.
The infection is spread through coughing and sneezing, and can also spread by contact with contaminated surfaces.