What Is Diphtheria?
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
3. Transmission
Not only is diphtheria potentially very dangerous, but it is also highly contagious, meaning that it can spread from person to person very easily. The bacterium is an airborne pathogen, meaning it spreads when it is sneezed or coughed out into the air by an infected person.
This means that people who are in close contact with others are more likely to catch it, and it can also be picked up from fomites (i.e. crockery, cutlery, bedding, clothing). Thus, people living in crowded accommodation with poor hygiene, are more likely to contract the disease.
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