At time of publication there have been over 70 confirmed cases of toxigenic diphtheria reported since the outbreak began in Western Australia in late December 2025.
Clinicians should consider diphtheria in patients from the Kimberley, Pilbara or Goldfields regions who present with clinically suspicious skin sores, infected wounds or upper respiratory illness.
Immunisation providers are also encouraged to ensure all children and adolescents are up to date with their scheduled diphtheria-containing vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This includes the school-based immunisation Program, with proactive review and vaccination during health care encounters and active recalls where feasible.
Aboriginal people and patient-facing health care workers living or working in the Kimberley, Pilbara or Goldfields are encouraged to receive a state-funded diphtheria-containing booster vaccination if it has been more than five years since their last dose.
Refer to the clinician alert for testing advice and other key information for clinicians.
Clinicians are required to urgently notify suspected or confirmed diphtheria cases to the local Public Health Unit by phone (or call 1800 434 122 if after hours). Do not wait for laboratory confirmation before notifying.