WHAT IS DIPHTHERIA?
• Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by bacteria that primarily infect the nose and throat1
• Less commonly, diphtheria can infect the skin1
• The diphtheria bacteria make a toxin that can cause tissue damage1
• The toxin can spread through the blood and damage certain organs1
• Diphtheria is usually spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching1
• It usually takes 2 to 5 days for the disease to develop1
DIPHTHERIA: COMMON AND WIDESPREAD
Countries/areas where travelers are at high risk for diphtheria2
| Regions | Countries |
| Africa |
Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, and sub-Saharan countries |
| Americas |
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, and Paraguay |
| Asia/South Pacific |
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam |
| Middle East |
Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen |
| Europe |
Albania, Russia, and countries of the former Soviet Union |
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
• Symptoms may include1:
– Sore throat
– Difficulty breathing |
– Drooling
– Bluish coloration of the skin |
– Runny nose
– Skin lesions |
– Cough
– Fever |
•In severe cases, diphtheria can cause serious swelling of the neck and throat3
• The infection can progress and cause heart failure, kidney damage, and paralysis1
HOW IS DIPHTHERIA TREATED?
• Diphtheria antitoxin is given as soon as an infection is suspected (diphtheria antitoxin counteracts the diphtheria toxin)1
• The infection is treated with antibiotics1
• Some people with diphtheria need to be hospitalized1
• Surgery may be needed if there is difficulty breathing1
|
Corynebacterium diphtheriae (diphtheria)
Courtesy of The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention 
Swollen neck
|
