Public health response underway following diphtheria cases in Roebourne and Karratha

WA Country Health Service and the Department of Health are undertaking a public health response following notification of two cases of diphtheria linked to a childcare centre in Roebourne, including a respiratory case who also attended a nightclub in Karratha.

The cases have been treated and managed in accordance with public health advice.

Public health teams are identifying and contacting children, families and staff who may have been exposed at the childcare centre.

Testing, preventive antibiotics and vaccination are being provided where required.

A dedicated outreach clinic was held in Roebourne early this week to support the public health response and provide assessment, testing and vaccination.

The respiratory diphtheria case also attended Evolution Lounge Bar in Karratha while infectious. Anyone who was at the venue between 11pm on Saturday 12 September and 3.30am on Sunday 13 September 2026 should monitor for symptoms for 10 days following their visit and seek medical advice promptly if they become unwell.

WA Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Huppatz said respiratory diphtheria could cause severe and potentially life-threatening illness and urged anyone contacted by public health teams to act immediately on the advice provided.

“This is a serious infection, and we are taking urgent action to protect children, families, staff and the wider community,” Dr Huppatz said.

“Our immediate priority is identifying high-risk contacts and ensuring they receive testing, preventive antibiotics and vaccination as quickly as possible.

“This is particularly important in a childcare setting, where infants and young children may not yet be fully vaccinated.

“If you are contacted by a public health staff member, please follow their advice, even if you or your child feel well.

“Anyone who develops symptoms should stay home, seek medical advice and call ahead before attending a clinic or hospital.”

Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness due to diphtheria.

Free diphtheria booster vaccinations are available to Aboriginal people across Western Australia and for all people living in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields and Midwest regions.

Community members in Roebourne and Karratha are strongly encouraged to check their vaccination status and seek advice if they are unsure whether they or their children are up to date.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection spread through close contact with an infected person, including breathing in respiratory droplets, direct contact with saliva, respiratory secretions or infected skin sores, or contact with contaminated items such as bandages or towels.

Respiratory (throat) diphtheria often starts with a sore throat and fever. It can cause a thick greyish-white coating in the back of the nose or throat, and swollen, painful glands in the neck. In severe cases, it can make breathing or swallowing difficult and can become life-threatening.

Cutaneous (skin) diphtheria is usually less severe than respiratory diphtheria and typically presents as slow-healing skin sores, wounds or ulcers. It can also develop when an existing skin sore or wound becomes infected.

WA Health continues to work closely with local health services, the childcare provider and Aboriginal community organisations to identify any further cases and reduce transmission.