Diphtheria is a serious illness caused by toxins produced by strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria.
These toxin-producing bacteria most commonly infect the upper respiratory tract (respiratory diphtheria) and can be spread through respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing). The bacteria may also infect the skin (cutaneous diphtheria) and other body parts, which can be spread through touching the open sores or ulcers of people sick with diphtheria.
Symptoms of respiratory diphtheria include mild fever, pseudomembrane in the nose or throat, sore throat, swollen glands in the neck, and weakness. This type of diphtheria is the most severe, and even with treatment, is fatal in 1 in 10 patients. Without treatment, up to half of patients can die from the disease.
Symptoms of cutaneous diphtheria can include an open sore or ulcer with a clear edge, pain, a rash with scales or peeling skin, redness, and swelling. These infections do not result in severe disease.
It is important to start treatment as soon as possible after a possible exposure to diphtheria, especially if the exposed person is unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated against diphtheria.
CDC recommends that everyone 2 months and older get vaccinated to protect against diphtheria.