Diphtheria Outbreak and Vaccination Reminder
IBN would like to remind Members of a Diphtheria outbreak in the Pilbara region. While public health authorities are monitoring the situation, we feel it is important to share this information so Members can make informed decisions regarding their health and wellbeing.
What is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can affect the throat and skin. Diptheria can cause severe illness and may be life threatening.
Respiratory (Throat) Diphtheria
- Often starts like a cold with a sore throat, fever, chills
- Can cause a thick grey/white coating in the back of the nose or throat
- Can make it difficult to breathe or swallow
- Can cause swollen, painful neck glands
Cutaneous (Skin) Diphtheria
- Can start from a cut or wound that becomes infected
- Usually appears as sores or ulcers that may be slow to heal, often on the legs
- May be covered with a grey, moist scab
How is it spread?
Diphtheria is spread through close contact with an infected person, via breathing in droplets from coughing or sneezing; direct contact with saliva, respiratory secretions, or infected skin sores; contact with contaminated items such as bandages, towels, or utensils.
How is it prevented?
Vaccination is the most effective protection against Diphtheria. IBN recommends that all Members who can be vaccinated ensure they are up to date, as well as booster shots for other preventable illnesses, including influenza and covid.
You can also reduce the risk of infection and help prevent the spread to others by:
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Throw away used tissues
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially before preparing food, after coughing or sneezing, and before and after touching skin sores and dressings
- Keep sores and wounds clean and covered
- Ensure skin conditions like ringworm (tinea), eczema, and scabies are treated early – healthy skin helps prevent infection
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
- Stay home if you are unwell and limit your contact with others
How is it prevented?
If you live in, or have recently travelled to areas in the Kimberley, Pilbara, or Goldfields regions, or you have had contact with a case of Diphtheria:
See a doctor as soon as possible if you have a sore throat or skin sores that are not healing
Seek urgent medical care if you have a sore throat with fever and difficulty breathing or swallowing
Call ahead before going to a clinic or hospital so they can take appropriate precautions
Wear a mask if you have throat symptoms
Cover any skin sores