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Australia’s Worst Diphtheria Outbreak in Decades Prompts $7.2 Million Government Response
Australia is experiencing its most significant diphtheria outbreak in decades, with 230 confirmed cases recorded nationally this year — the highest number since national record-keeping began.
The outbreak, which began in late 2025, was declared a public health emergency by the Northern Territory Centre for Disease Control in March 2026. Approximately 60 per cent of cases are concentrated in the Northern Territory, with further spread recorded in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. Indigenous Peoples and Communities have been affected almost exclusively.
In response, the Australian Government announced a $7.2 million funding package on 21 May to support outbreak management. The package includes $5.2 million for the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre to deploy surge workforce, administer booster vaccinations, and procure additional vaccines and antibiotics. A further $2 million has been allocated to the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to support culturally safe communications and community liaison across affected regions.
Health Minister Mark Butler said vaccination remains the most powerful defence against the disease. “Vaccination for diphtheria is safe and it is an incredibly effective tool against disease. We have enough vaccine and we are making sure it is getting to the right communities,” Minister Butler said.
Diphtheria — a serious bacterial infection causing skin or respiratory disease — has been rare in Australia since a vaccination program began in the 1930s. Vaccines are recommended for children from two months of age, with booster doses through adolescence and adulthood.
ACIPC Board Director and Senior Lecturer in Nursing at the University of the Sunshine Coast Dr Matt Mason applauded the package, while reminding of the importance of maintaining current DTPa vaccination and robust infection prevention practices among those caring for affected patients.
“The funding package announced today is an important step to containing this outbreak,” Dr Mason said. “Focusing funding for ACCHOs to support a culturally safe approach is vital for success. Diphtheria is highly contagious, with respiratory/mucosal infections reported in this outbreak. Healthcare workers should ensure their DTPa vaccination is up to date, as waning immunity and missed boosters are common, and wear a P2/N95 respirator to protect themselves, their patients, and their families when providing care to patients with known or suspected infection.”
Want to know more about diphtheria? Take a look at our Bug of the Month diphtheria article here: https://www.acipc.org.au/diphtheria/