Department of Health. Signs and symptoms may vary from mild to severe. Some children may experience a mild fever, fussiness, drowsiness or tenderness at the injection site after a Some children — such as those with epilepsy or another nervous system condition — may not be candidates for the After the initial series of immunizations in childhood, you need booster shots of the diphtheria vaccine to help you maintain your immunity. The story of diphtheria is comparable to that of tetanus, though even more dramatic. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). One sign of diphtheria is swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck.Diphtheria (dif-THEER-e-uh) is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of your nose and throat. Ulcers covered by a gray membrane also may be skin diphtheria.Although it's more common in tropical climates, diphtheria on the skin also occurs in the United States, particularly among people with poor hygiene who live in crowded conditions.Call your family doctor immediately if you or your child has been exposed to someone with diphtheria.
Diphtheria is fatal 5% to 10% of the time, according to the World Health Organization. In Australia, it is now more common in adults rather than children – as most children have high levels of immunity due to immunisation programs.To prevent the spread of diphtheria, high levels of immunity are required in all age groups – which is why both adults and children are advised to be vaccinated against diphtheria. Available at: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/cda-pubs-cdi-2000-cdi2406-cdi2406f.htm (accessed 27 February 2020). Diphtheria, acute infectious disease caused by the bacillus Corynebacterium diphtheriae and characterized by a primary lesion, usually in the upper respiratory tract, and more generalized symptoms resulting from the spread of the bacterial toxin throughout the body.
for topic: How Does Diphtheria Spread
The next booster shot is recommended 10 years later, then repeated at 10-year intervals. This pseudomembrane may also be greenish or blueish, and even black if there has been bleeding.Early features of the infection, before the pseudomembrane appears, include:Children with a diphtheria infection in a cavity behind the nose and mouth are more likely to have the following early features:After a person is first infected with the bacteria, there is an average incubation period of 5 days before early signs and symptoms appear.After the initial symptoms have appeared, within 12 to 24 hours, a pseudomembrane will begin to form if the bacteria are toxic, leading to:If the membrane extends to the larynx, hoarseness and a barking cough are more likely, as is the danger of complete obstruction of the airway. Its timeline is as follows:Vaccines are routinely used to prevent diphtheria infection in almost all countries. Let us steer you through the 5 people to avoid on the high seas. Diphtheria (dif-THEER-e-uh) is a serious bacterial infection usually affecting the mucous membranes of your nose and throat. Vaccination consists of a series of five shots, typically administered in the arm or thigh, given to children at these ages:The diphtheria vaccine is effective at preventing diphtheria. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. It is rare in the Western world, but it can be fatal if left untreated.Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat. Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 0. This can block the airway and create a barking cough as in croup. Sanofi Australia & New Zealand has no control over the contents of these sites or resources, and accepts no liability or responsibility for them or for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of them. All rights reserved. The bacteria produce a toxin because they themselves are infected by a certain type of virus called a phage.Diphtheria is an infection spread only among humans. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Check out Britannica's new site for parents!