10 Diphtheria Symptoms
Diphtheria is a condition caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium. The infection can range from mild to severe. Symptoms begin two to five days after exposure, either by direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects, or by exposure to contaminated air. Some individuals are asymptomatic but are still able to spread the disease to others.
Diphtheria can be diagnosed through a microbiological culture. A vaccine for diphtheria is available and should be administered in three or four doses (along with pertussis and tetanus vaccines) during childhood. In addition, booster doses of diphtheria and tetanus vaccines should be given every ten years. Immunity from the disease can be determined by measuring the level of antitoxin in the blood. Diphtheria is treated using erythromycin or penicillin. In severe cases, a tracheotomy may be necessary to ensure there is a patent airway for respiration.
Diphtheria is rare in the developed world because vaccination is widespread. The most recent studies from the CDC estimate that less than 20 cases have been reported in the US during the period of 1996 to 2016.
