Lead

Australia is grappling with its largest diphtheria outbreak in decades, prompting a federal government support package as case numbers exceed 220 this year. The outbreak, which has spread across several states and territories, has raised serious concerns among health officials and Aboriginal community health advocates.

Coverage comparison

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler described the outbreak as "very concerning," noting that it is "by a very big distance, the biggest outbreak of diphtheria we've ever seen," roughly 30 times the average number of cases over the last five years. The federal government has announced a $7.2 million funding package, which includes support for a surge workforce to administer booster vaccinations and treatments, as well as procuring additional vaccines and antibiotics.

More than 220 cases have been reported so far this year, primarily in the Northern Territory, but also in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. According to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System, there have been 133 notifications of diphtheria in the Northern Territory, six in South Australia, and up to five in Queensland. Separately, Western Australia has recorded 85 cases, most in the Kimberley region.

The outbreak has placed significant strain on health services, Mr Butler said, with about 25 per cent of new cases being hospitalised. "This is obviously a deep concern for people who are exposed to this disease, but also starting to place pressure on hospital systems in the NT," he said.

Key claims

  • More than 220 cases of diphtheria have been reported across Australia this year, with the majority in the Northern Territory.
  • The federal government has announced a $7.2 million funding package to support vaccination efforts.
  • Cases have been reported in the Northern Territory (133 notifications), South Australia (six), Queensland (up to five), and Western Australia (85).
  • Most Western Australian cases are in the Kimberley region.
  • The outbreak has caused significant strain on health services.
  • NT Health did not issue a public health alert until March 25, though leaked data suggests case numbers surged in the NT a month earlier.
  • Australia's growing diphtheria outbreak could be contained within months, according to the head of a peak body for Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations.

Perspectives

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler

Mr Butler expressed "serious concern" about the outbreak, calling it "very serious" and emphasising the need for rapid vaccination. He said the package would be finalised in close cooperation with the NT government and the Aboriginal-controlled sector, as the outbreak is "overwhelmingly" affecting Indigenous Australians.

NT Health officials

NT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Burgess said the outbreak had spread throughout all five regions of the Northern Territory. An NT Health spokesperson confirmed the legitimacy of leaked data showing case numbers surged weeks before the public health alert but said the data was not intended for public release.

Western Australian health officials

WA's director of communicable disease control, Paul Armstrong, said vaccination alone would not be enough to stop the outbreak, noting that despite high vaccination rates, cases continue. He said the first phase of a two-part vaccination program was underway, with about 2,000 people vaccinated since the start of May, but thousands more were at risk.

Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations

NACCHO chief executive Dawn Casey said the government's response had been "too slow," with the organisation lobbying for action as early as April. While acknowledging the recent funding boost, she said the government needed to "respond much more quickly" in the future. Dr Casey expressed confidence that with rapid vaccination, the outbreak could be contained "within the next few months."