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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