A patient in the Northern Territory has reportedly died after contracting the life-threatening disease diphtheria, marking the first fatality in Australia in nearly a decade. Diphtheria can manifest as a sore throat or as skin infections that heal poorly, and it spreads through close contact with respiratory droplets, infected skin sores, or contaminated items such as bandages and shared towels.
Details of the Incident
Dr John Boffa, chief medical officer of public health at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, told ABC News on Friday that a person with the disease died several weeks ago in a remote area. He noted that diphtheria has spread throughout the territory, with cases now exceeding 100 and some patients requiring intensive care.
A spokesperson for NT Health told the Daily Mail that they were aware of media reports concerning the tragic death. "NT Health is awaiting results from an autopsy report about a possible diphtheria-related death in the NT and is unable to provide further comment at this time," they said. "There have been 145 cases of diphtheria reported in the NT between 1 January 2025 and 14 May 2026. This includes 42 respiratory cases and 104 cutaneous cases."
Understanding Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can cause severe illness in unvaccinated individuals, including skin sores (cutaneous diphtheria) and a sore throat (respiratory diphtheria). It is transmitted through direct contact with infected skin sores or via coughs and sneezes from those with respiratory diphtheria.
Outbreak and Response
The NT government issued its first health alert regarding the diphtheria outbreak on March 25. "The Centre for Disease Control is responding to an outbreak of diphtheria cases throughout the Northern Territory," the alert stated. Cases of diphtheria have not only been found in the NT but also in Western Australia (60 cases), Queensland (two), and South Australia (one) so far this year.
Historically, diphtheria was a leading cause of childhood death globally, with more than 4,000 Australians dying from the disease between 1926 and 1935. Vaccination began in Australia in the 1930s, and since the 1950s, diphtheria has been rarely seen. According to the Australian Centre for Disease Control, the most recent diphtheria-associated death was reported in 2018 and involved an unvaccinated adult who had the respiratory strain.
Prevention and Vaccination
Health authorities emphasise that vaccination is the most important measure for prevention and reducing transmission of diphtheria. NT Health stated that it is collaborating with community groups to implement a territory-wide vaccination programme in response to the outbreak. It is also working with Aboriginal health organisations and primary care services to improve community awareness.
Vaccination is free under the National Immunisation Program for people under 20 years of age, with adults advised to get a booster dose every 10 years, NT Health said. Children are routinely vaccinated against diphtheria at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months, 4 years, and 12 years. Pregnant women from 20 weeks of pregnancy are also eligible for a free vaccination.
