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Rural, remote and First Nations people are being reminded not to become complacent about vaccine-preventable diseases as the country experiences its largest diphtheria outbreak in decades.
ACRRM Board Member and Western Australian Rural Generalist Dr Alice Fitzgerald says diphtheria is a disease many Australians think belongs in the past, but this outbreak shows vaccine-preventable diseases can return when immunity levels decline.
“It is a timely reminder for everyone to check their boosters and make sure they are up to date with recommended vaccinations,” Dr Fitzgerald says.
Diphtheria was recently declared a communicable disease incident of national significance, with more than 230 cases reported since the outbreak began late last year. The majority of cases have occurred in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in regional, rural and remote communities.
“Community protection relies on all of us, and vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective public health measures we have,” Dr Fitzgerald says.
“High vaccination coverage helps protect not only individuals, but also vulnerable people in our communities, including older Australians, people living with chronic illness, those with weakened immune systems and people who cannot be vaccinated themselves.
“Many adults may not realise immunity against some vaccine-preventable diseases can decrease over time, making it important to discuss booster vaccinations with their GP or Rural Generalist.”
Dr Jasmine Banner, ACRRM College Council representative and Rural Generalist living and working in the Northern Territory, says the outbreak highlights the importance of recognising symptoms early and seeking medical advice if concerns arise.
“Symptoms can vary depending on where the infection occurs, but diphtheria can affect the respiratory tract or the skin,” Dr Banner says.
“Anyone experiencing symptoms or who is concerned they may have been exposed to diphtheria, should seek medical advice promptly.
“As Rural Generalists, we are often the first point of contact for people living in regional, rural and remote communities.
“Early diagnosis, treatment and public health follow-up are critical to limiting the spread of disease and protecting vulnerable members of the community.”
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Rural, remote and First Nations people are being reminded not to become complacent about vaccine-preventable diseases as the country experiences its largest diphtheria outbreak in decades.
ACRRM Board Member and Western Australian Rural Generalist Dr Alice Fitzgerald says diphtheria is a disease many Australians think belongs in the past, but this outbreak shows vaccine-preventable diseases can return when immunity levels decline.
“It is a timely reminder for everyone to check their boosters and make sure they are up to date with recommended vaccinations,” Dr Fitzgerald says.
Diphtheria was recently declared a communicable disease incident of national significance, with more than 230 cases reported since the outbreak began late last year. The majority of cases have occurred in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in regional, rural and remote communities.
“Community protection relies on all of us, and vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective public health measures we have,” Dr Fitzgerald says.
“High vaccination coverage helps protect not only individuals, but also vulnerable people in our communities, including older Australians, people living with chronic illness, those with weakened immune systems and people who cannot be vaccinated themselves.
“Many adults may not realise immunity against some vaccine-preventable diseases can decrease over time, making it important to discuss booster vaccinations with their GP or Rural Generalist.”
Dr Jasmine Banner, ACRRM College Council representative and Rural Generalist living and working in the Northern Territory, says the outbreak highlights the importance of recognising symptoms early and seeking medical advice if concerns arise.
“Symptoms can vary depending on where the infection occurs, but diphtheria can affect the respiratory tract or the skin,” Dr Banner says.
“Anyone experiencing symptoms or who is concerned they may have been exposed to diphtheria, should seek medical advice promptly.
“As Rural Generalists, we are often the first point of contact for people living in regional, rural and remote communities.
“Early diagnosis, treatment and public health follow-up are critical to limiting the spread of disease and protecting vulnerable members of the community.”