Australia has confirmed its first diphtheria death in nearly 10 years amid the most severe outbreak since 1991. Authorities are intensifying vaccination efforts in high-risk areas, especially remote northern communities.
On 26 May 2026, Australia confirmed its first diphtheria (Diphtheria) death in nearly a decade. Although preventable by vaccine, the country is currently facing its worst diphtheria outbreak in several decades.
The Northern Territory Minister of Health revealed that foreign laboratory tests confirmed a man who died in April at Royal Darwin Hospital succumbed to diphtheria. This marks Australia's first diphtheria death since 2018.
Reports indicate the outbreak was officially declared in March after cases emerged in the Northern Territory, as well as Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. Patient numbers began rising in late 2025, then sharply increased in February this year.
This year, Australia has recorded at least 245 diphtheria cases, the largest outbreak since 1991. Most cases are among Aboriginal communities in remote areas. Officials say about 60% of patients are in the Northern Territory, around 36% in Western Australia, with the rest in South Australia and Queensland.
Meanwhile, Australian authorities are rapidly expanding vaccinations in high-risk areas. Since 30 March, over 10,400 vaccine doses have been administered. Temporary clinics have opened in Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs to improve vaccine access and raise community awareness.
Health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the most crucial measure to prevent the disease, limit transmission, and reduce severe symptoms. They urge the public, especially teenagers and adults who have not yet received booster shots, to get vaccinated promptly.
The federal government has allocated AUD 7.2 million (about 170 million THB) to support vaccination efforts and enhance public health resources in affected areas.
Experts warn that although new infections have started to decline over recent weeks, close monitoring is essential to prevent the outbreak from expanding further.
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets or skin contact. Respiratory diphtheria can cause sore throat, fever, breathing difficulties, and can be life-threatening. The skin form generally causes chronic infected wounds that heal slowly but is usually less severe.
Source: BBC