A man has been flown from Cairns to Brisbane in a critical condition suffering from diphtheria.
The 27-year-old was flown to Prince Charles Hospital on Wednesday night, after being admitted to Cairns Hospital last weekend.
Dr Richard Gair from the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service said they were getting in touch with all people the man was in contact with in an effort to trace the infection and prevent its spread.
"The infection was acquired in Australia with the patient having no recent history of overseas travel," he said in a statement.
"Diphtheria is extremely rare in most developed countries, including Australia, because of the widespread use of the diphtheria vaccine."
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It's understood the man was not vaccinated.
Diphtheria is caused by bacteria and results primarily in swelling in the nose, throat and windpipe, which can cause breathing difficulties.
It is spread by direct contact with an infected person, or through contaminated objects.
In 2015, there were about 4500 cases worldwide, down from about 100,000 cases in 1980.
