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Disease information

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infection caused by bacteria that produce a harmful toxin. It can affect the nose and throat or cause skin sores. In respiratory diphtheria, a thick coating can block the airway, and the toxin can damage the heart and nerves. Vaccination provides important protection against severe disease.

Prevention: Mixed

Symptoms

  • Sore throat, mild fever and weakness
  • Swollen glands in the neck
  • A thick gray coating in the nose or throat, sometimes making breathing or swallowing difficult
  • Skin sores that may be painful or slow to heal

Transmission

  • Respiratory droplets from an infected person
  • Direct contact with infected skin sores or their secretions

Prevention

Keep diphtheria vaccination up to date according to the applicable programme. After close contact with someone who has diphtheria, contact a healthcare professional or public-health service promptly; testing, monitoring, preventive antibiotics and a vaccination review may be needed.

Diagnosis and care

Suspected respiratory diphtheria needs urgent medical care. Treatment can include medicines that counter the toxin and antibiotics. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen after a known exposure.

Source

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