What GPs can do as diphtheria re-emerges

Dr Linda Calabresi

writer

Dr Linda Calabresi

GP; Medical Editor, Healthed

Dr Linda Calabresi

Two recent hospitalisations of Australian children for diphtheria is cause for alarm, says a leading infectious diseases physician.

Speaking on a recent Healthed Going Viral podcast, clinical microbiologist Associate Professor Paul Griffin said diphtheria was a disease ‘thought to be confined to the history books.’

However, these recent notifications prove the bacterial disease is still in existence and the fact the children needed to be hospitalised showed it was still potentially a serious disease.

PASSWORD RESET

Forgot your password or password not working? Please enter your email address. You will receive an email with the link to set a new password.

Once you confirm you’ve read this article you can complete a Patient Case Review to earn 0.5 hours CPD in the Reviewing Performance (RP) category.

Select ‘Confirm & learn‘ when you have read this article in its entirety and you will be taken to begin your Patient Case Review.

Save 50% on all seminars. Hurry, sale ends Dec 31!

You're invited to attend the Women's & Children's Health Update 2026, Australia's most popular seminar for GPs and healthcare professionals. Secure your seat by midnight Dec 31 and save!