- Children and adults who don’t have up-to-date vaccinations.
- People living in crowded or unsanitary conditions.
- Anyone who travels to an area where diphtheria infections are more common.
Where is diphtheria most common?
Since 2016, respiratory diphtheria outbreaks have occurred in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, Venezuela, Haiti, South Africa, and Yemen . Cutaneous diphtheria is common in tropical countries. Respiratory and cutaneous diphtheria have been reported in travelers, though rarely.
Who is most at risk of diphtheria?
Children under 5 and adults over 60 years old are particularly at risk for getting it. People living in crowded or unclean conditions, those who aren’t well nourished, and children and adults who don’t have up-to-date immunizations are also at risk.
Who causes diphtheria?
Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the bacterial microorganism known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae . Other Corynebacterium species can be responsible, but this is rare. Some strains of this bacterium produce a toxin, and it is this toxin that causes the most serious complications of diphtheria.
Can a vaccinated person spread diphtheria?
You cannot get diphtheria from the vaccine . FACT: Diphtheria can be prevented with safe and effective vaccines. FACT: You cannot get diphtheria from the vaccine. infected person’s nose, throat, eyes and/or skin lesions.
Which body part is affected by diphtheria?
Diphtheria can infect the respiratory tract (parts of the body involved in breathing) and skin. In the respiratory tract, it causes a thick, gray coating to build up in the throat or nose.
Where is diphtheria still found?
Diphtheria currently occurs most often in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Indonesia . In 2015, it resulted in 2,100 deaths, down from 8,000 deaths in 1990. In areas where it is still common, children are most affected.
What diphtheria smells like?
Diphtheria is caused by bacterial infection with Corynebacterium diphtheria. Diphtheria usually affects the larynx or the lower and upper respiratory tracts and causes a sore throat. Some patients with diphtheria have a sickening, sweetish or putrid odour in their breath (19).
What are the 5 types of diphtheria?
- classical respiratory diphtheria.
- laryngeal diphtheria.
- nasal diphtheria and.
- cutaneous diphtheria (skin lesions).
How can diphtheria be prevented?
Vaccination . Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best way to prevent diphtheria. In the United States, there are four vaccines used to prevent diphtheria: DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td. Each of these vaccines prevents diphtheria and tetanus; DTaP and Tdap also help prevent pertussis (whooping cough).
What is black diphtheria?
The throat infection causes a gray to black, tough, fiber-like covering, which can block your airways. In some cases, diphtheria infects your skin first and causes skin lesions. Once you are infected, the bacteria make dangerous substances called toxins.
What was putrid throat disease?
Putrid throat: a historic term for a severely inflamed throat, with tissue destruction, and fetid odor, often due to strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis) or diphtheria .
When was the last case of diphtheria in the United States?
Diphtheria is rare in the United States, with only two cases reported between 2004 and 2015 . In recent years, diphtheria has been in the headlines in three countries where the disease had been virtually eliminated — Venezuela, Yemen and Bangladesh.
What are the typical symptoms of diphtheria?
- a thick grey-white coating at the back of your throat.
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C or above.
- feeling sick.
- sore throat.
- headache.
- swollen glands in your neck.
- difficulty breathing and swallowing.
How was diphtheria treated in the 1900’s?
Beginning in the early 1900s, prophylaxis was attempted with combinations of toxin and antitoxin . Diphtheria toxoid was developed in the early 1920s but was not widely used until the early 1930s.
Can you get diphtheria twice?
Can you get diphtheria more than once? Yes . Even individuals recovering from diphtheria should be immunized against the disease as soon as possible.
