The Department of Health is encouraging Aboriginal people living in metropolitan Perth to check they are up to date with their diphtheria vaccinations following confirmation of a second case in a Perth resident this week.
The advice is part of WA's ongoing outbreak response, which includes free diphtheria boosters for Aboriginal people across the State.
Western Australia has recorded 240 cases during the current outbreak, which has predominantly affected Aboriginal communities in regional WA. However, the recent cases identified in Perth reinforce the importance of vaccination for all eligible people across WA.
The two Perth cases are not linked, with one case having recently travelled to regional WA.
WA Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Huppatz said there was currently no evidence of wider community transmission in metropolitan Perth, but vaccination remained the best protection against serious illness.
"Diphtheria can cause severe illness and, in some cases, can be life-threatening," Dr Huppatz said.
"I strongly encourage Aboriginal people in Perth to check their vaccination history and have a booster if they are eligible, particularly given the ongoing outbreak in regional
Western Australia and the recent cases identified in Perth."
All Aboriginal people in WA, and people living in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields and Midwest regions, who have not received a diphtheria-containing vaccine in the past five years are eligible for a free booster through participating immunisation providers, including Aboriginal Medical Services and GPs.
Eligible individuals seeking a diphtheria booster vaccination are encouraged to call ahead and check that their GP or Aboriginal Medical Service has vaccine available before attending.
Diphtheria-containing vaccines are also provided free under the National Immunisation Program during infancy and early childhood, adolescence and pregnancy, and are available through immunisation providers including GPs, community immunisation services and participating pharmacies across WA.
"People who are unsure whether they or their children are up to date with their vaccinations should check their immunisation history or speak with their healthcare provider," Dr Huppatz said.
Most cases in WA have been cutaneous diphtheria, a form of the disease that causes skin infections. There have also been cases of respiratory diphtheria, which can cause more severe illness.
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 and typically presents as slow-healing skin sores, wounds or ulcers. It can also develop when an existing skin sore or wound becomes infected.
"Diphtheria can spread through close contact with an infected person, including through breathing in respiratory droplets, direct contact with saliva, respiratory secretions or infected skin sores, or contact with contaminated items such as bandages or towels," Dr Huppatz said.
Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with diphtheria should seek medical advice and call ahead before attending a healthcare facility.
WA Health continues to work closely with the Aboriginal Health Council of WA, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, local communities and Australian Government agencies as part of the statewide outbreak response.
