Childhood Diseases on the Rise: Measles and Diphtheria Make a Comeback

A concerning resurgence of once-common childhood diseases such as measles and diphtheria is being reported in Australia, sparking alarm among health authorities. The development comes after decades of effective vaccination campaigns that had all but eradicated these illnesses.

Measles Outbreak in South Australia

A recent outbreak in South Australia, linked to a traveller who contracted the disease overseas, has resulted in nine confirmed cases this year, with four cases reported within the Brighton Secondary School community. One adult was hospitalised after spending over 24 hours at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's emergency department, prompting contact tracing efforts.

SA's Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier described the outbreak as "disappointing" but not unexpected, given the spread of anti-vaccination misinformation.

"I have seen our vaccination rates year on year since the [COVID-19] pandemic starting to drop … I see what information is being provided in other forms other than the science," Professor Spurrier said.

"In my past practice when I was a junior registrar, I'd see little ones die from these infectious diseases and it's always been so wonderful when we'd get new vaccines."

Factors Contributing to the Resurgence

Adelaide University professor and epidemiologist Adrian Esterman attributed the decline in vaccination rates to factors such as limited access to healthcare and busy lifestyles.

"It's things like parents being very busy, trouble getting to see the GP, I think it's more things like that rather than people hesitating to get their children vaccinated," Professor Esterman said.

He also noted that measles cases have been surging globally, with countries like Canada and the UK losing their measles-free status.

"Canada has now lost its measles-free status, the UK has lost its measles-free status, the USA is almost certainly going to be losing it shortly," he said.

Diphtheria Outbreak

Australia is currently experiencing its largest diphtheria outbreak since records began in 1991, with over 600 reported cases, predominantly among Indigenous people in outer regional and remote areas across four states and territories. SA Health reported that more than 4,500 vaccines have been delivered to affected communities, with a notable response from the community in the APY Lands.

"Up in the APY Lands where we've had the majority of the cases, there has been really high vaccinations so we're extremely pleased with the community's response," Professor Spurrier said.

Professor Esterman noted that these childhood diseases, once considered "absolute killers" in Australia, are making a comeback due to declining childhood vaccinations.

"All of these various childhood diseases, they used to be absolute killers 80-100 years ago," he said.

"Most families had large numbers of children because they knew so many would actually die during the first year."