Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, which produces a toxin. Symptoms can vary depending on where the affected tissues are located in the body. There are two main types of the disease diphtheria, affecting the airway or skin. People with diphtheria in the airway can have a sore throat, low-grade fever, and enlarged lymph nodes on the side of the neck. The toxin can cause tissue buildup in the throat, which can block a person’s airways. People can also get diphtheria of the skin, causing a rash or blisters. This is not commonly seen in the United States.

Because of the toxin’s effect on the body, severe complications of diphtheria can include breathing and heart problems, paralysis, and death.

Symptoms of diphtheria

The gradual onset of a sore throat
A low-grade fever
Weakness
Enlarged lymph nodes of the neck
Blocked airways

Transmission

Diphtheria is spread through respiratory droplets, often by coughing and sneezing. People can sometimes catch diphtheria from touching infected open sores or ulcers.