Western Australians are being urged to ensure they are up to date with their diphtheria vaccinations as the outbreak in regional areas has reached 60 cases.
Diphtheria — a potentially deadly bacterial infection — has now affected 55 people in the Kimberley, three in the Pilbara, and two in the Goldfields region.
The outbreak, which began in December 2025, has predominantly impacted Aboriginal children and young adults.
Diphtheria can present as either a severe sore throat that may become life-threatening, or as poorly healing skin infections.
The infection spreads through close contact with respiratory droplets, infected skin sores, or contaminated items such as bandages and shared towels.
Health Warning Issued
WA Chief Health Officer Clare Huppatz said diphtheria had been very rare in Australia due to high vaccination rates and improved living conditions.
"Respiratory diphtheria has not been seen in WA for more than 50 years and diphtheria skin infections have become rare," she said.
"However, cases have re-emerged in the last few years in parts of northern Australia, including the Northern Territory which has also recently declared a diphtheria outbreak."
Dr Huppatz stressed that the current outbreak serves as a reminder that booster doses of the diphtheria vaccine — usually given in combination with tetanus and pertussis vaccines — are essential to maintain immunity in teenagers and adults.
Vaccination Recommendations
"We are seeing cases concentrated in some regional areas, which is why it is especially important that people of all ages living, working in or travelling to these communities are up to date with their vaccinations," she said.
"People who have previously been vaccinated and live in the affected regions can receive a diphtheria booster dose if it has been more than five years since their last vaccination — this is especially important for Aboriginal people and healthcare workers in these regions, who are at higher risk of exposure."
"Anyone who is unvaccinated or unsure of their status should speak with their GP or health provider about starting a vaccination course."
State-funded vaccinations are available for free through GPs, community pharmacies, community health clinics, and Aboriginal Medical Services in the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Goldfields regions. An administrative fee may apply.
For more information about diphtheria, visit HealthyWA.
