Arabic version: إعلان تفشي الدفتيريا في الإقليم الشمالي، ودعوة للتطعيم

The Northern Territory has declared an outbreak of diphtheria after confirming four cases of the disease. According to ABC News, this marks the first outbreak of the disease in 26 years, as stated by the NT’s chief health officer.

The outbreak includes three cases in Darwin and one in Alice Springs, prompting the Northern Territory Department of Health’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to issue a public health alert. Additionally, there have been 33 cases of cutaneous diphtheria reported since 2025.

NT Health Chief Health Officer Paul Burgess emphasized that the risk to the general public is extremely low, and contact tracing is underway for individuals who may have been exposed to the confirmed cases. He described the situation as unusual, given his extensive experience in the region.

Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, can lead to severe health issues if untreated. Symptoms of respiratory diphtheria include sore throat, mild fever, and breathing difficulties, while cutaneous diphtheria may present as sores or ulcers.

Burgess urged residents to check their vaccination status and vaccinate themselves and their children, dismissing concerns raised by vaccine skeptics. The diphtheria vaccine is available in Australia as part of a combination vaccine and is provided free for children at various ages. Adults are also encouraged to receive booster shots every ten years, with specific recommendations for pregnant women.