Diphtheria, what you need to know

The Department of Health and WA Country Health Service are continuing its public health response to the ongoing diphtheria outbreak in parts of regional WA.

Diphtheria is an infection caused by a bacteria which can make you very sick so it’s important to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe.

WA Country Health Service Kimberley Public Health Physician Dr Allison Hempenstall and Environmental Health Promotion Officer Georgina Kelly are here with some helpful information about diphtheria and easy to follow tips to help keep you safe:

• cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• keep sores and wounds clean and covered
• see your clinic or doctor if you have a bad sore throat or skin sores that aren’t healing
• make sure your diphtheria vaccines are up to date – adults should get a booster if their last dose was more than five years ago.

For more information about diphtheria, visit HealthyWA or speak with your healthcare provider.