About Diphtheria:
Diphtheria is an acute infection caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Anyone who has not been immunized can get diphtheria. The bacteria most commonly infects your nose and throat. The throat infection causes a gray to black, tough, fiber-like covering, which can block your airways. In some cases, diphtheria infects your skin first and causes skin lesions. Because of widespread immunization (vaccination) of children, diphtheria is now rare in many parts of the world.
Risk factors for diphtheria include crowded environments, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization.
Transmisssion:
Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets (such as from a cough or sneeze) of an infected person or someone who carries the bacteria but has no symptoms.
Symptoms:
Symptoms usually occur 1 to 7 days after the bacteria enter your body:
- Bluish coloration of the skin
- Bloody, watery drainage from nose
- Breathing problems, including difficulty breathing, fast breathing, high-pitch breathing sound (stridor)
- Chills
- Croup-like (barking) cough
- Drooling (suggests airway blockage is about to occur)
- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Painful swallowing
- Skin lesions (usually seen in tropical areas)
- Sore throat (may range from mild to severe)
Note: There may be no symptoms.
Treatment:
Fortunately, diphtheria can be prevented through immunization. The diphtheria vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you and your children.
Diphtheria is treated with antibiotics as well as with a diphtheria antitoxin. The antitoxin is given to fight the toxins produced by the diphtheria bacteria.
Diphtheria is especially dangerous for young children.