Government Announces $7.2 Million Package as Diphtheria Cases Rise

Around 230 cases have been recorded this year, with outbreaks occurring in parts of the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

A general view of the Royal Darwin Hospital in Darwin, Australia on Aug. 27, 2023. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

As Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection, spreads across four Australian states, the federal government has announced a $7.2 million (US$5.15 million) support package to help contain the outbreak.

The infection can affect the nose, throat, airways and skin and can be life-threatening in severe cases.