Diphtheria (Corynebacterium diphtheria)
Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria. The disease can affect the nose, throat or skin. One can catch the infection by coming in close contact with an infected person. Infection can lead to serious illness. Infants and very young children have an increased risk of developing complications from diphtheria. This is because the bacteria may attack their vital organs.
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Symptoms
Diphtheria infection begins with a sore throat and slight fever. The infection may then worsen and cause a thick coating on the back of the throat or nose to form, which leads to difficulty breathing. Symptoms can also include skin infections and temporary muscle paralysis.
Causes
Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria and is spread mainly through respiratory droplets in the air formed when coughing or sneezing. You can also catch it by touching an item that was previously touched by an infected person and then touching your eyes or mouth.
Treatment
There are antibiotics available to treat diphtheria. However, one in every 10 people infected with diphtheria may die, even with treatment.
Prevention
Diphtheria infection can be prevented through immunization. Manitoba has a provincial immunization program, which provides free, publicly-funded vaccines to those who are eligible.
Other precautions can be taken, including practicing good hand hygiene, covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, and avoiding sharing of personal items such as water bottles, lip gloss and cigarettes.
Manitoba Health Resources
For the Public
- Grades 8/9 School Immunization Program – Factsheet for Parents & Guardians
(April 2018) - Tetanus, Diphtheria and acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine [français]
(July 2012) - The 4-in-1 Vaccine (DTaP-IPV) [français]
(July 2010) - The 5-in-1 Vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib) [français]
(July 2010)
For Health Care Providers
- Diphtheria Protocol
(August 2016) - Immunization Program Manual for Immunization Providers in Manitoba
- Manitoba's School Immunization Program – Questions & Answers for Health Care Providers
(May 2018)
Other Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Diphtheria
- Public Health Agency of Canada – What you need to know about diphtheria
Communicable Disease
Control (CDC) Health Links – Info Santé |
