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Diphtheria
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by a
toxin (poison) made by bacteria.
It causes a thick grey coating in the back of
the nose or throat that makes it hard to
breathe or swallow.
The coating on the throat can get so thick
that it blocks the airway, so the person can’t
breathe.
Complications
Most complications of diphtheria are due to
the release of the toxin, or poison.
The most common complications are
inflammation of the:
It can be deadly.

heart, leading to abnormal heart rhythms
The DTPa vaccine protects all age groups
against diphtheria.

nerves, which may cause temporary
paralysis of some muscles.
How common is it?
Diphtheria is rarely seen in Australia owing to
good hygiene standards and most people
being vaccinated against the disease.
How serious is it?
If the paralysis affects the diaphragm (the
major muscle for breathing), the person may
develop pneumonia or respiratory failure.
The thick membrane coating at the back of
the throat may cause serious breathing
problems, even suffocation.
Diphtheria is a serious disease – 5 to 10 per
cent of all persons with diphtheria die.
How do I know I have diphtheria?
Up to 20 per cent of cases lead to death in
certain age groups of individuals, in particular
children under 5 and adults over 40.
Clinical systemic diphtheria is usually caused
by a toxigenic strain of diphtheria – it is a
medical emergency.
How is diphtheria spread?
If you have a severe sore throat along with
fever and difficulty breathing, see your doctor
immediately.
The diphtheria bacteria live in the mouth,
throat, and nose of an infected person and
can be passed to others by coughing or
sneezing.
The diagnosis of diphtheria can only be
confirmed after your doctor takes a small
sample of the infected material from your:
Occasionally, transmission occurs from skin
sores or through articles soiled with
discharge from sores of infected persons.

throat

other site, such as the skin.
Signs and symptoms
The sample is tested in a laboratory.
The symptoms generally appear 2 to 5 days
after exposure, with a range of 1 to 10 days.
If symptoms are severe, and you have
recently travelled overseas, contact your
local emergency department to seek advice
and direction.
Diphtheria starts like a cold, followed by:

mild fever

chills

sore throat, which progresses to difficulty
in swallowing.
Notifiable disease
Diphtheria is a notifiable disease so doctors,
hospitals and laboratories must inform the
Department of Health of you or your child’s
diagnosis. Notification is confidential.
Department of Health staff will talk to you or
your doctor to find out how the infection
occurred, identify other people at risk of
infection, and let you know about
immunisation and whether you or your child
needs to stay away from work, school or
group gatherings.
Treatment of diphtheria

Throw tissues in the bin after you use
them.

Wash your hands often with soap and
water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are
also effective.

Wash your hands before preparing food.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth,
as germs are spread this way.

Avoid close contact with people who have
colds.

If there is a suspicion that you have
diphtheria your doctor will start you on
medication immediately as the disease
progresses very quickly.
Wash your child’s toys frequently to
remove traces of the viruses.

If you have a cold, stay home from work
or school and limit contact with other
people to keep from infecting them.
Antibiotics are used, and an antitoxin
injection is given.

If you child develops a cold, keep them
home for the first few days to stop them
infecting others.
While you have diphtheria
You should stay isolated – away from other
people – until 2 days after you have started
taking antibiotics.

You should not sit among other people in a
waiting room.
Where to get help
More information
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) (external site).
How can diphtheria be prevented?

See your doctor.
Ensure that your vaccinations are up to date.

Visit a GP after hours.

Ring Healthdirect Australia on
1800 022 222.
Adopt good personal hygiene to help protect
your health when at:

home
Remember

work


school
Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by
a toxin (poison) made by bacteria.

overseas.

The DTPa vaccine protects all age groups
against diphtheria.

Diphtheria is a serious disease; 5 to 10
per cent of all persons with diphtheria die.
You can reduce the risk of getting diphtheria
by following this advice:

Cover your nose and mouth with a
tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Acknowledgements
Public Health
This publication is provided for education and information
purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical
care. Information about a therapy, service, product or
treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to
replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers
should note that over time currency and completeness of the
information may change. All users should seek advice from a
qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers
to their medical questions.
See also



About immunisation
Childhood immunisation schedule
Healthy international travel
This document can be made available in
alternative formats on request for a person
with a disability.
Produced by the Communications Directorate
© Department of Health 2015