Diphtheria outbreak spreads across multiple states, GPs urged to stay alert
19 May 2026
So far this year, there have been 133 cases in the Northern Territory, 79 in Western Australia, six in South Australia, and two in Queensland, compared with fewer than 40 cases nationwide in 2025.
The Mark Butler said the situation is serious, with governments working to increase vaccine access and support affected communities, particularly in the Northern Territory.
A possible diphtheria-related death is also under investigation in the NT.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Ramya Raman has urged GPs to remain vigilant as cases spread across borders.
She said clinicians should be alert not only to respiratory diphtheria but also cutaneous (skin-related) infections, especially in patients with wounds or ulcers.
She warned that vaccine-preventable diseases can return when immunisation coverage gaps appear, even though many Australians now think of diphtheria as a disease of the past.
Public health alerts have been issued across affected jurisdictions, with guidance provided to healthcare professionals on identification, testing, and management.
The outbreak comes despite high childhood vaccination coverage, with around 93% of Australian five-year-olds fully immunised against diphtheria.
Experts are calling for urgent action to close immunity gaps through timely booster doses and improved vaccine access.
Milena Dalton said the outbreak shows how quickly vaccine-preventable diseases can re-emerge when protection levels drop.
She also stressed the importance of culturally safe responses, particularly in Aboriginal communities, including working with local health services and trusted community leaders to improve vaccination and care access.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: newsGP / Australian health authorities