Diphtheria is a serious infection of the throat, nose, and skin caused by diphtheria bacteria. The bacteria makes a toxin or poison, that can spread through the bloodstream and cause breathing problems, heart failure, and nerve damage. Diphtheria can kill up to one in ten people who get the disease. It was once the most common cause of death in Canadian children under the age of five. Today, diphtheria is rare because of vaccination.
Diphtheria spreads easily between people by direct contact or through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. People can also get sick from touching infected open skin sores or by touching clothing and objects that has the bacteria on it.
Those at increased risk of getting sick include:
Symptoms usually start two to five days after being exposed to the bacteria and range from mild to severe. Symptoms include:
In severe cases, the bacteria produce a poison (toxin) that causes a thick grey or white patch at the back of the throat. This can block the airway making it hard to breathe or swallow and create a barking cough. Some people who have diphtheria will not show symptoms but can still spread it.
The most important way to prevent diphtheria is to make sure you and your child(ren) are vaccinated. In Canada, diphtheria vaccination is part of Ontario’s Publicly Funded Routine Immunization Schedule.
Diphtheria vaccines are safe, effective, and free.
If your child misses a vaccine or is due for their next dose, these vaccines are available from a health care provider’s office.
Diphtheria is now rare due to vaccinations and testing is required to confirm the diagnosis. A swab from the back of the throat/nose, or from an open skin sore can test for diphtheria.
Diphtheria treatments include: