Australia is reportedly dealing with its biggest diphtheria outbreak in decades as the bacterial infection continues to spread through the Northern Territory.
The country's leading medical body is now urging all Australians to ensure they are fully vaccinated against diphtheria following a resurgence of the Victorian-era disease.
Most of the nearly 220 cases reported so far are located in the northern territory, Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland.
Diphtheria can give rise to swollen glands, breathing issues, and fever. The bacterial disease mostly impacts kids.
It was first considered nearly eradicated following a vaccine rollout that started in the 1930s.
The current outbreak is being blamed on a fall in vaccination rates. Cases started to rise in the year 2025, prompting the Northern Territory Center for Disease Control to declare it an outbreak.