Australia is experiencing its worst diphtheria outbreak in decades, with cases now reported in four states and territories. The Northern Territory remains the epicentre with 133 cases, including one suspected death, while Western Australia has recorded 79 cases, South Australia six, and Queensland up to five.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler expressed serious concern, describing it as 'probably the biggest diphtheria outbreak we've seen, certainly for decades.' He noted that almost all cases have affected Indigenous Australians, and the government is working with the NT government and Aboriginal-controlled health services to boost vaccination efforts.
Dr John Boffa from the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress urged Territorians to get tested and vaccinated. He reported a slight decrease in new cases this week, with around 15 to 20 new cases per week over the past month. However, up to half of Central Australia's 18,000-strong Aboriginal population have not yet received a booster after the recommended interval was shortened from 10 to five years for at-risk groups.
Dr Boffa stressed that anyone with a sore throat or skin sore should visit a clinic for testing. He also said there is a '95 per cent certainty' that the one suspected diphtheria death is related to the illness, though official confirmation from the coroner is pending.
In Western Australia, the vast majority of the 79 cases have been in the Kimberley region, including at least one in the remote community of Kalumburu, which has a population of about 300 and only one small health clinic. The resident has isolated and received treatment.
