Diphtheria
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that usually affects the
tonsils, throat, nose or skin.
Who gets diphtheria?
Diphtheria is most common in low socioeconomic groups where people
live in crowded conditions. Unimmunized children under 15 years of age
are likely to contract diphtheria. The disease is often found among
adults whose immunization was neglected, and is most severe in unimmunized
or inadequately immunized individuals.
How is diphtheria spread?
Diphtheria is transmitted to others through close contact with discharge
from an infected personšs nose, throat, skin, eyes and lesions.
What are the symptoms of diphtheria?
There are two types of diphtheria. One type involves the nose and
throat, and the other involves the skin. Symptoms include sore throat,
low-grade fever and enlarged Iymph nodes located in the neck. Skin lesions
may be painful, swollen and reddened.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear two to four days after infection, with a range
of one to six days.
When and for how long is a person able to spread diphtheria?
Untreated people who are infected with the diphtheria germ can be
contagious for up to two weeks, but seldom more than four weeks. If
treated with appropriate antibiotics, the contagious period can be limited
to less than four days.
Does past infection with diphtheria make a person immune?
Recovery from diphtheria is not always followed by lasting immunity.
Is there a vaccine for diphtheria?
Diphtheria toxoid is usually combined with tetanus toxoid and pertussis
vaccine to form a triple vaccine known as DTP. This vaccine should be
given at two, four, six and 12-15 months of age, and between four and
six years of age. A combination of tetanus toxoid and diphtheria toxoid
(Td) should be given every 10 years to maintain immunity.
What is the treatment for diphtheria?
Certain antibiotics, such as penicillin and erythromycin, can be prescribed
for the treatment of diphtheria.
What can be the effect of not being treated for diphtheria?
If diphtheria goes untreated, serious complications such as paralysis,
heart failure and blood disorders may occur. Death occurs in approximately
5 to 10 percent of all cases.
How can diphtheria be prevented?
The single most effective control measure is maintaining the highest
possible level of immunization in the community. Other methods of control
include prompt treatment of cases and a community surveillance program.
Updated: April 1996
Source: NY State Department of Health
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