Health experts provide grim diphtheria warning as cases spread to Mid West

A case of diphtheria has been recorded in the Mid West, marking a spread of the potentially life-threatening bacterial infection to a majority of the State’s regions.

The once almost eradicated infection has now been detected in the Mid West, Perth metropolitan, Kimberley, Pilbara, and the Goldfields, prompting a grim warning from health experts about the spread throughout WA.

The Kimberley region remains at the centre of the outbreak with 135 cases, followed by the Pilbara at 32.

However, it has spread further with three people infected in the Goldfields, two across the Perth metropolitan as well the one case in the Mid West.

WA is now making up almost 44 per cent of the 401 cases recorded across the country.

TerryWhite Chemmart chief deputy pharmacist Kate Gunthorpe said a drop in vaccine levels was to blame for the bacterial infection re-emerging after almost being eradicated.

“It’s a timely reminder that diphtheria hasn’t disappeared, it’s just been really well controlled in the last few years through vaccination,” she said.

“Unfortunately, when vaccination coverage drops or when people aren’t up to date with their boosters, we can start to see outbreaks like we’ve seen emerge.

“When people aren’t up to date with their boosters, even cases that would have previously not made someone unwell or would have gone unnoticed has more of a pickup.”

West Australians, especially those travelling to the centre of the outbreak, have been urged to check if they are up to date on their DTaP vaccine, which covers diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.

The outbreak has already prompted many to get vaccinated across the country with Terry White Chemmart recording a 23 per cent increase in vaccinations for the infection in the past four weeks, compared to the same period last year.

“Pharmacists all over Australia have been advising more patients to get their whooping cough booster, which also covers diphtheria,” Ms Gunthorpe said.

“What’s really important, if you’re travelling, is to check your vaccination status before going to one of these outbreak areas.

“Boosters are needed about every 10 years. Your pharmacist or local GP can advise if you need another booster to protect yourself.”

The respiratory type of diphtheria can present as a sore throat that can become severe and life-threatening when it develops into difficulty breathing. It can also lead to heart and nerve damage.

The second type of diphtheria causes poorly healing skin infections.

It can spread through close contact with respiratory droplets, infected skin sores or contaminated items such as bandages and shared towels.

Most cases recorded have been through skin to skin contact and have disproportionately impacted the Aboriginal community.

Ms Gunthorpe also urged other hygiene protocols including staying at home when sick, washing hands, and covering your mouth when sneezing.

Before the vaccine, diphtheria was a leading cause of childhood death with more than 4000 Australians dying from the illness between 1926 and 1935.

Australia has recorded one diphtheria death this year, which is the first fatality from the infection in the country since 2018.