NORTHERN TERRITORY — Australia has recorded its first diphtheria death since 2018, with the nation experiencing its worst outbreak of the disease in decades. A total of 245 cases have been reported in 2024—the highest annual total since 1991. Autopsy results from an overseas laboratory confirmed that diphtheria caused the death of a man in April at Royal Darwin Hospital.

The Northern Territory declared a diphtheria outbreak in March, with additional cases subsequently identified in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. Sixty percent of the national cases in 2024 are in the Northern Territory, about 36% in Western Australia, and the remainder split between South Australia and Queensland. Between January 2023 and May 2024, the Northern Territory alone reported 163 cases, including 48 respiratory and 115 cutaneous forms of the disease.

Western Australia confirmed two cases of respiratory diphtheria in March—the first such cases in the state in more than 50 years. Health officials are urging communities, particularly teenagers and adults, to update their diphtheria vaccinations, as booster shots are needed to maintain immunity. Vaccination against diphtheria is typically administered in five doses between two months and four years of age, with an additional booster given between ages 12 and 13.

Northern Territory health authorities have established pop-up vaccination clinics in Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs. Since March 30, more than 10,400 diphtheria vaccinations have been administered across the territory. “Our government has taken this situation very seriously, and we are working hard to understand the causes and working to contain the situation,” said NT Health Minister Steve Edgington.

According to NT Health, vaccines are the “most important measure for preventing, protecting and reducing transmission” of diphtheria. Respiratory diphtheria often begins with fever, chills, and a sore throat, potentially leading to life-threatening breathing and swallowing difficulties, while cutaneous diphtheria typically causes slow-healing skin ulcers and rarely results in severe illness.

Nationally, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd, has declared diphtheria a communicable disease incident of national significance. The federal government has committed AU$7.2 million to support vaccination efforts and provide resources in affected regions.