Diphtheria is a potentially fatal contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin.
Diphtheria is highly contagious. It’s spread by coughs and sneezes, or by contact with someone with diphtheria or items belonging to them, such as bedding or clothing.
The infection is usually caught after being in close or prolonged contact with someone who has the condition or is carrying the infection. For example, you may catch diphtheria from someone you live with.
However, diphtheria is very rare in the developed countries because most people have been vaccinated against it.
Symptoms
The symptoms of diphtheria include:
• a thick grey-white coating at the back of the throat
• a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
• sore throat
• breathing difficulties
Older people and people with a weakened immune system are more at risk of the effects of diphtheria. The most serious cases can be fatal.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of diphtheria can be confirmed by taking a sample of cells from the throat, nose or wound on the skin.
This will be examined to see whether the bacteria that cause diphtheria are present.
Treatments
Diphtheria must be treated quickly to prevent serious complications developing. If diphtheria is suspected, treatment will begin before any test results are confirmed.
Treatment for diphtheria comprises antibiotics and antitoxin medicine. Anyone suspected of having the condition will be put in isolation when they’re admitted to hospital. Those who develop heart and nervous system complications will need specialist treatment, and may need to be admitted to the intensive care ward.
Prevention
All children should be vaccinated against diphtheria as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule.
Adults should consider having a booster vaccine when travelling to parts of the world where diphtheria is widespread.
