Diphtheria

 

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease caused by a toxin produced by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. There are two main types of diphtheria either affecting the airway or the skin.

The most common and serious type of diphtheria occurs when the C. diphtheriae bacteria infect the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract).

C. diphtheriae bacteria can also cause skin infections, called cutaneous diphtheria, which is not common in the United States.

Because of the toxin’s effect on the body, severe complications of diphtheria can include breathing and heart problems, paralysis, and death.

What are the symptoms of respiratory diphtheria?

Some people infected with diphtheria can have no symptoms. For people who get the disease, The most common respiratory diphtheria symptoms include:

  • Sore throat.
  • A mild fever.
  • Weakness.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes of the neck.
  • A gray coating of dead tissue in the nose and throat, called pseudomembrane, which can make it hard to breathe and swallow.

Common complications of diphtheria can include airway obstruction, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), and nerve disease called polyneuropathy. People who suspect they have diphtheria should receive immediate medical care.

The most common symptoms of diphtheria skin infections include:

  • An open sore or ulcer with a clear edge.
  • Pain.
  • Rash with scales or peeling skin.
  • Redness.
  • Swelling.

How does diphtheria spread?

People get infected with respiratory diphtheria when they breathe in droplets from someone who coughs or sneezes. People can get cutaneous diphtheria when they touch open sores or ulcers.

How can we prevent diphtheria?

Vaccination is the strongest protection against diphtheria. The United States uses combination vaccines for diphtheria prevention, which can include Td, Tdap, or DTaP vaccines.

Learn more about the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccines on the DOH vaccine webpage.

People sick with diphtheria and their close contacts should receive treatment from a health care provider. Family members taking care of someone sick with diphtheria should be vaccinated against diphtheria and practice good personal hygiene. Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water to prevent transmission and  avoid direct contact with the person or their belongings.

Diphtheria Activity and Surveillance

Diphtheria is a notifiable condition. Visit the Diphtheria Notifiable Conditions web page for a summary of diphtheria reporting and testing resources for health care professionals.

Visit the Diphtheria Surveillance and Trends web page from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to see diphtheria reporting in the United States.

Resources