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First fatal diphtheria case in Australia since 2018 confirmed
Australia has recorded its first death from diphtheria in almost a decade as the country faces its largest outbreak of the vaccine-preventable disease since 1991. The Northern Territory (NT) confirmed on Tuesday that an autopsy conducted by an overseas laboratory determined diphtheria as the cause of a man's death in April at Royal Darwin Hospital.
Outbreak spreads across multiple states
The NT declared a diphtheria outbreak in March, with cases also emerging in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. The surge began in late 2025, accelerating sharply in February this year. A total of 245 cases have been reported nationwide in 2026, predominantly affecting remote Indigenous communities.
Government ramps up vaccination efforts
Health authorities have intensified vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas, administering 10,407 doses since March 30. The NT Health Minister, Steve Edgington, stated that new case numbers are now declining, attributing the progress to heightened public health measures.
"Our government has taken this situation very seriously. We are working hard to understand the causes and contain the outbreak," Edgington said.
Breakdown of cases and transmission
The NT reported 163 cases between January 2025 and May 2026, including 48 respiratory and 115 cutaneous infections. Respiratory diphtheria, which can be life-threatening, presents with fever, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. Cutaneous diphtheria, spread through skin contact, typically causes slow-healing sores but is less severe.
This year, 60% of cases have occurred in the NT, with Western Australia accounting for 36%. South Australia and Queensland have reported smaller clusters.
National response and funding
Last week, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Michael Kidd, designated diphtheria a communicable disease incident of national significance. The federal government has allocated AU$7.2 million to expand vaccination programs and support affected regions. Pop-up clinics have been established in Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs to promote booster shots, particularly for teenagers and adults.
Vaccination remains the primary defense, with children typically receiving five doses between two months and four years of age, followed by a booster at 12-13 years.
Historical context and public health warnings
The last recorded diphtheria death in Australia occurred in 2018, according to the national broadcaster ABC. Health officials continue to urge communities to update vaccinations to curb transmission and prevent further fatalities.
