Australia is experiencing its largest diphtheria outbreak in decades, and the first death in nearly 10 years has now been confirmed. Authorities have issued an urgent vaccination call, particularly for people living in remote regions.
The rapidly spreading diphtheria outbreak has triggered a major public health alert across Australia. Officials confirmed that a man who died at Royal Darwin Hospital in April was determined to have died from diphtheria. This marks the country’s first recorded diphtheria death since 2018.
A total of 245 cases have been identified so far this year, making it Australia’s largest outbreak since 1991. Most cases have reportedly occurred among Indigenous communities living in remote areas.
Northern Territory Health Minister Steve Edgington said, “Our government is taking this situation extremely seriously.”
Cases Spread Across Four States
In March, the Northern Territory government officially declared a diphtheria outbreak. Health authorities later confirmed that cases had also been detected in the states of Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland.
Particular concern has been raised in Western Australia, where respiratory diphtheria cases have appeared for the first time in more than 50 years.
Authorities stated that vaccination efforts in high-risk regions have accelerated in recent weeks and that the rate of new infections has begun to slow. According to officials, more than 10,000 people have been vaccinated since March 30 alone.
Urgent Vaccination Call from Officials
Health authorities emphasized that teenagers and adults should receive booster doses of the vaccine.
The Northern Territory administration expanded its vaccination campaign by setting up temporary health clinics in Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs.
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd last week declared diphtheria a “communicable disease incident of national significance.”
Officials warned that diphtheria can spread through both respiratory droplets and skin contact, and that respiratory cases in particular can cause severe breathing difficulties and become life-threatening.
The Australian government has also announced a 7.2 million Australian dollar support package for regions affected by the outbreak.