Federal government prepares diphtheria support package as 220 cases reported
The federal government is preparing a support package in response to over 220 reported cases of diphtheria across Australia. This outbreak is the largest in decades, raising significant health concerns, particularly among Indigenous populations in the Northern Territory. Efforts are being made to boost vaccination rates, which have declined to their lowest levels in five years.
- ▪More than 220 cases of diphtheria have been reported in 2026 across Australia.
- ▪This outbreak is considered the largest in decades, with case numbers significantly higher than the average.
- ▪The federal government is finalizing a support package to increase vaccination rates and address workforce shortages.
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Federal government prepares diphtheria support package after more than 220 cases reportedBy national health reporter Stephanie DalzellTopic:HealthWed 20 May 2026 at 12:51pmWed 20 May 2026 at 12:51pmWed 20 May 2026 at 12:51pmFederal Health Minister Mark Butler says the numbers are "very concerning". (ABC News: Matt Roberts)In short:There have been more than 220 cases of diphtheria reported in 2026 in NT, WA, SA and Queensland.The current diphtheria outbreak is the largest in decades, with the disease previously considered largely eradicated.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).