Diphtheria

 

 

What is Diphtheria?


Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. A person who has the infection and coughs or sneezes. Diphtheria is very rare in the United States because of the vaccine.

 


Causes

  1. Diphtheria preads through respiratory droplets (such as those produced by a cough or sneeze) of an infected person or someone who carries the bacteria but has no symptoms.
  2. It can also be spread by contaminated objects or foods (such as contaminated milk).

Risk factors include crowded environments, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization.

 

The maps shows the rate of risk for each country of the world towards Diphtheria

 

 

Symptoms


It usually affects the nose and throat and causes a bad sore throat, swollen glands, fever, and chills. But if it is not properly diagnosed and treated it produces a poison in the body that can cause serious complications such as heart failure or paralysis.


The bacteria most commonly infects the nose and throat. The throat infection causes a gray to black, tough, fiber-like covering, which can block the airways. In some cases, diphtheria may first infect the skin, producing skin lesions. It usually occur 2 to 5 days after you have come in contact with the bacteria.


Bluish coloration of the skin, Bloody, watery drainage from nose, Breathing problems, Difficulty breathing, Rapid breathing, 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).

 

The pictures shows a boy with a bulge on his neck

 

 

Vaccines


The diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT) vaccine can prevent diphtheria, but its protection does not last forever. Adults should get another dose, or booster, every 10 years.

Once infected, dangerous substances called toxins, produced by the bacteria, can spread through your bloodstream to other organs, such as the heart, and cause significant damage.

Because of widespread and routine childhood DPT immunizations, diphtheria is now rare in many parts of the world. There are fewer than five cases of diphtheria a year in the United States.

Corynebacterium diphtheriae (VIRUS)