June 2026
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has declared diphtheria a
communicable disease incident of national significance, following a rise in cases since
the ANMF (SA Branch) last shared information about the outbreak.
On 21 May 2026, Minister Mark Butler announced a
$7.2 million Commonwealth-funded diphtheria response package, including
$5.2 million to support work led by the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) in partnership with the Northern Territory Government and the Aboriginal community‑controlled health sector.
The CMO is urging the public to review their vaccination status with their GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, pharmacy or local health clinic.
Vaccination remains the strongest protection against diphtheria — particularly for children, older adults who may require boosters, and people living in or travelling to high‑risk areas.
While many recent cases have been mild, diphtheria is still a serious disease, and health authorities advise those at increased risk to exercise heightened caution.
The
CMO’s statement is available online.