WA cases of diphtheria up to 85 as authorities forced to play catch up on vaccinations
The number of cases in Western Australia’s worst diphtheria outbreak has risen to 85 as health authorities seek to increase vaccination rates against the disease in vulnerable communities.
Almost all of the cases have been in Kimberley, WA’s northernmost region; 78 cases have been reported in this region, with a small number of cases also detected in the Pilbara and Goldfields.
It was also the first time in 50 years that the respiratory form of the infection has been seen in WA.
About 95 per cent of cases have been in the Aboriginal community, particularly among children and young people.
Officials are concerned that many people in the region are falling behind on vaccination against the disease.
An expanded vaccination program has been launched in the north of the state, focusing on active catch-up vaccinations for children and adolescents who have not received routine vaccinations.
Paul Armstrong, director of the Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, said efforts are continuing to suppress the epidemic.
“WA Health has significantly strengthened its public health response in recent months, including expanded vaccination drive, case management, contact tracing and ongoing community engagement in affected areas,” Dr Armstrong said.
“While the majority of cases have occurred in the Kimberley, the Department continues to closely monitor the situation in regional WA and respond as appropriate.”
The respiratory infection often begins with cold-like symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, and chills, and then escalates, causing a thick grayish-white coating at the back of the nose or throat and swollen or painful glands in the neck.
It can get worse and become life-threatening, making it difficult to swallow and breathe.
There is also a form of skin infection called diphtheria, which originates from an infected wound and appears as sores or ulcers, usually on the legs, that can be slow to heal and become covered with a gray, moist crust.
Diphtheria is spread through close contact with an infected person, such as inhaling droplets from coughing or sneezing, body fluids such as saliva, or direct contact with contaminated objects such as bandages.
Dr Armstrong said the risk to the rest of the state was low but Health officials were ready to take action if needed.
“The risk to the wider Western Australian community remains low,” he said.
“WA Health will continue to monitor the situation closely and implement additional public health measures where necessary.”
