Diphtheria alert: WA Health urges West Aussies to get vaccinated with outbreak hitting 60 cases

West Australians are being urged to ensure they are up to date with their diphtheria vaccinations with 60 cases impacting regional WA.

Diphtheria — a potentially deadly bacterial infection — has now reached 55 cases in the Kimberley, three in the Pilbara, and two in the Goldfields.

The outbreak, which began in December, 2025, has mostly occurred in Aboriginal children and young adults.

Diphtheria can present as either a sore throat that can become severe and life-threatening, or poorly healing skin infections.

It can spread through close contact with respiratory droplets, infected skin sores or contaminated items such as bandages and shared towels.

WA chief health officer Clare Huppatz said diphteria has 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 said the current outbreak in WA was a reminder that booster doses of diphtheria vaccine, usually given in combination with tetanus and pertussis vaccines, are very important to maintain immunity in teenagers and adults.

“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.