Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable infectious disease caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae and is usually transmitted by contact with droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person. The bacteria produces a poison that primarily infects the nose, throat, and skin, causing tissue damage. From there, it can also spread through the bloodstream to other organs, where it can cause damage to any organ tissue. The heart and nervous system are most frequently and most severely affected.

The disease is now rare because of immunization. In the United States, there are fewer than 5 cases per year. Risk factors include crowding, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization.

Symptoms appear 2 to 7 days after infection and include:

• Sore throat
• Drooling if airway obstruction occurs
• Fever and chills
• Bloody, watery drainage from nose
• Cough
• Rapid or difficulty breathing
• Skin lesions

Symptoms may persist anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. Diphtheria is curable if detected and treated early. If diphtheria is suspected, an antitoxin and antibiotics can be administered. If not treated, serious complications can occur, such as a membrane forming over the back of the throat to cut off the airway, heart failure, and severe nervous system damage such as paralysis. Only 5% to 10% of diphtheria cases are fatal.

To prevent diphtheria, immunization is required. During childhood, the diphtheria vaccine is usually given in combination with tetanus and pertussis vaccines, or DTaP vaccine. A child should have received four DTaP shots by 18 months of age, with a booster shot at age 4 years to 6 years. After that, diphtheria boosters should be given every 10 years, almost always in combination with tetanus to provide continued protection.

Please contact your doctor, local health department or the Department of Health and Senior Services (866-628-9891) if you have other questions about diphtheria.