WA Health is undertaking a public health response following notification of two cases of diphtheria linked to a childcare centre in Roebourne, and a nightclub in Karratha.
To read the media release, visit: Public health response underway following diphtheria cases in Roebourne and Karratha
The respiratory diphtheria case attended Evolution Lounge Bar in Karratha. 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 and seek medical advice promptly if they become unwell.
Signs and symptoms
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection of the throat or skin caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Symptoms usually appear 2 to 5 days after exposure (range 1 to 10 days).
Respiratory (throat) diphtheria
- Often starts like a cold with sore throat, fever, and chills
- Can cause a thick greyish-white coating in the back of the nose or throat
- May cause swollen, painful glands in the neck
- Can worsen, making it difficult to breathe or swallow
- Can become life-threatening.
- 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
- Is usually less severe but can still spread to others.
What to do if you develop symptoms
If you live in, or have recently travelled to, an outbreak-affected region, or 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 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, and cover any skin sores.
As a resident of the Pilbara, you are eligible for a diphtheria vaccine booster if you have not received a diphtheria-containing vaccine in the past 5 years and are currently due a dose under the National Immunisation Program.
Diphtheria vaccines are available through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, community pharmacies and community health and remote area clinics.
To see WA Country Health Service (WACHS) vaccination clinics in outbreak-affected regions, visit: WACHS vaccination clinics WACHS vaccination clinics in outbreak-affected regions