CDNA National Diphtheria Guidelines Released

The Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has published a national diphtheria guidelines collection, providing a nationally consistent approach to case management, contact tracing, infection control, vaccination and outbreak response.

The collection, part of the Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) Series of National Guidelines (SoNGs), includes national guidelines for the public health management of diphtheria, a summary of evidence and rationale, and a national case investigation form.

Although diphtheria case numbers surpassed 500 since the start of the year, notifications nationally have continued to decline since peaking between late May and early June. However, experts warn that case numbers could be higher than currently recorded because of low testing in some parts of Australia.

Experts working on the outbreak, including those from the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), are encouraging people in affected areas to remain vigilant by getting tested if they are unwell or have skin lesions, and ensuring their vaccinations are up to date.

The guidance highlights the continued importance of vaccination in reducing the impact of a potentially severe disease that, while now rare in Australia, can still cause serious illness and outbreaks in susceptible populations.

To access the guidelines, please click the link below:

https://www.cdc.gov.au/resources/collections/diphtheria-cdna-national-guidelines-collection