Second diphtheria case identified in child in NSW

In just two days, two unvaccinated children in NSW have been found to have a serious disease not seen in the state for a century.

A second unvaccinated child has been diagnosed with diphtheria of the throat in northern NSW.

The six-year-old was admitted to a local hospital as a precaution, health authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The child is a close family contact of the first case announced on Saturday.

That child, aged two, was the first case of diphtheria of the throat in NSW in a century.

The two-year-old was being cared for in an intensive care unit at a Queensland hospital.

Both children were not vaccinated against the disease.

Close contacts of the children have received post-exposure prophylaxis, which can include antibiotics and immunisation, to reduce the risk of transmission.

NSW has recorded two cases of diphtheria. Picture: Luka Gonzales / AFP

Diphtheria is rare in Australia due to a longstanding childhood immunisation program, however the disease can be fatal.

The contagious, vaccine-preventable disease is spread mainly through respiratory droplets during close contact with a person who has the bacteria.

North Coast Public Health director Dr Paul Douglas said the risk to the broader community was low but families should be alert to the serious disease.

“Families should be alert and review the immunisation status of their children on the Australian Immunisation Register or with their medical provider to ensure they are up to date with all vaccinations,” Dr Douglas said.

“The diphtheria vaccination is free and readily available from your GP for everyone from six weeks of age.”

Diphtheria is rare in Australia due to a longstanding childhood immunisation program.

While no other cases of throat diphtheria have been reported in NSW since the 1990s, on rare occasions other less serious cases of diphtheria have been reported, mainly involving the skin.

Immunisation prevents against severe diphtheria, and is included in the Australian childhood immunisation program.

In Australia, children are vaccinated at six weeks, four months, six months, 18 months, four years, and at the beginning of high school.

In adults, the diphtheria vaccine is included with the tetanus and pertussis vaccines, which are recommended for adults every 10 years and in pregnancy.