Rates of life-threatening pneumococcal disease hit 20-year high in Australia
It is estimated that about 1M children die every year due to this disease across world, according to World Health Organization
Rates of a life-threatening bacterial infection have surged to a 20-year high in Australia, local media reported on Tuesday.
Data from the Department of Health and Aged Care's National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System showed that Australia reported 2,269 cases of the invasive pneumococcal disease in 2023 and 2,258 cases by Dec. 17 this year, according to SBS News.
The invasive pneumococcal disease is a life-threatening infection that attacks the lungs, brain, and bloodstream.
In developing countries, mostly young children and elderly people are affected by this disease and it is estimated that about 1 million children die of pneumococcal disease every year across the world, according to the World Health Organization.
In Australia, it is a major cause of death among children under two years and adults older than 85 years of age.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.