A severe case of respiratory diphtheria has been detected in a child in the Perth metropolitan area, prompting WA Health officials to launch targeted contact tracing and ramp up statewide immunization efforts, according to state health authorities. Public Health teams are providing testing, antibiotics, and vaccinations to high-risk contacts, including support for a school in the city’s north-eastern suburbs, while investigators work to determine the source of the infection.
Outbreak Growth and Regional Spread Across Western Australia
The Perth diagnosis arrives as a broader regional outbreak continues to expand across Western Australia. According to WA Health figures, a total of 224 diphtheria cases have now been notified across regional parts of the state. The infection previously spread extensively through the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, and Mid West regions.
The Kimberley remains the worst-affected area with 135 confirmed cases. Earlier regional figures detailed 31 cases in the Pilbara and four in the Goldfields, alongside a Mid West case that confirmed the infection was moving south. Out of 170 regional cases analyzed during earlier phases of the response, 104 involved skin infections while 66 were respiratory infections, including two severe cases.
Targeted Vaccination Push and Indigenous Health Deployments
To combat the spreading outbreak, WA Health Director of Communicable Disease Control Dr Paul Armstrong stated that vaccination remains the most effective protection against severe illness. “We particularly want to increase vaccination among adolescents and adults, and I strongly encourage anyone eligible to take up the offer,” Dr Armstrong said according to official releases.
Eligibility criteria currently cover all Aboriginal people across Western Australia for a diphtheria vaccine booster, alongside non-Aboriginal residents living in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, or Midwest regions. Outreach support is rolling out heavily across affected Aboriginal communities. An Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) has deployed to the Fitzroy Valley, working alongside Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services and WA Country Health Service Community Health. This marks the first of several planned AUSMAT deployments to support local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
State and local outreach efforts—including door-to-door visits and pop-up clinics—have delivered diphtheria-containing vaccines to almost 18,000 people in outbreak-affected regions over the past three to four months, according to WA Health data.
Understanding Diphtheria Risks and Transmission
Diphtheria can cause infections of either the skin or the throat, but health authorities flag respiratory diphtheria as the primary concern because severe cases can become life-threatening. The infection typically begins with symptoms like a sore throat before potentially progressing to breathing difficulties. Complications can include serious heart and nerve damage.
Transmission occurs through close contact with respiratory droplets, infected skin sores, or contaminated items such as shared towels and bandages. While Australia recorded one death from diphtheria this year—marking the country’s first fatality from the disease since 2018—WA Health maintains that the risk to the broader community in Perth remains low as investigations continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of respiratory diphtheria?
Respiratory diphtheria often begins with a sore throat and can progress to cause difficulty breathing. Severe cases can lead to serious complications involving the heart and nervous system.
Who is currently eligible for a diphtheria vaccine booster in Western Australia?
All Aboriginal people across Western Australia are eligible for a booster, as well as non-Aboriginal residents living in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, or Midwest regions, according to WA Health guidelines.
How does diphtheria spread between people?
The infection spreads through close contact with respiratory droplets, infected skin sores, or contaminated objects like bandages and shared towels.
What is being done to contain the Perth metro case?
Public Health officials are conducting contact tracing, offering testing, administering antibiotics, and providing vaccinations to high-risk contacts, including targeted support at a school in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs.
Stay Informed on Public Health Alerts
Have questions about vaccination eligibility or local clinic locations? Check the Department of Health’s regional WA diphtheria alert page for regular updates, and subscribe to our newsletter for breaking local health news.
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