15/05/2026
The NT recently recorded Australia’s first diphtheria death since 2018. Outbreaks in the NT and Kimberley region continue. As of Fri 15th May, there have been ~70 diphtheria cases recorded in the Kimberley this year. The NT has over 100 cases recorded.
Diphtheria is a serious infection that can affect a person’s nose, throat and airway or a person’s skin. It is vaccine preventable
Many people get the diphtheria vaccine as part of childhood vaccination. Booster shots are recommended every 10 years. If you have not been vaccinated or require a booster shot, it is important to get vaccinated. Unvaccinated people are most at risk of severe illness or death. BRAMS patients can get the vaccine without appointment at the clinic.
Symptoms of nose, throat and airway diphtheria start with a sore throat, mild fever and chills. Severe cases may experience airway swelling, making it hard to breathe and swallow.
Skin diphtheria usually presents as an ulcer or infected wound of the skin. So far, the current outbreak in the Kimberley has mostly been skin diphtheria, which still requires urgent treatment, but rarely causes the serious complications that the nose, throat and airway diphtheria does.
Diphtheria can be passed on to others by coughing or sneezing or through direct contact with sores of infected persons.
If you have been in contact with someone diagnosed with diphtheria, or are concerned you may have symptoms consistent with diphtheria, come to BRAMS and see a doctor. Non-BRAMS patients can see their GP, or visit urgent care.
Current outbreak numbers for WA and its regions can be monitored at the WA Health Notifiable infectious disease dashboard: https://www.health.wa.gov.au/articles/n_r/notifiable-infectious-disease-dashboard?
