Overview

Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection that can affect the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin. It's rare in the UK, but there's a small risk of catching it while travelling in some parts of the world.

Travel vaccination:

The best way to avoid diphtheria while travelling is to be fully vaccinated against it. If you're travelling to a part of the world where diphtheria is widespread, you may need a booster vaccination if you were last vaccinated against it more than 10 years ago.

Diphtheria is found in many areas, including:

  • Asia
  • The South Pacific
  • The Middle East
  • Eastern Europe
  • The Caribbean

Places considered to be high risk can change over time.

Title
Diphteria

Symptoms

Symptoms usually start 2 to 5 days after becoming infected.

The main symptoms of diphtheria are:

  • 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

If it affects your skin (cutaneous diphtheria), it can cause:

  • Pus-filled blisters on your legs, feet and hands
  • Large ulcers surrounded by red, sore-looking skin
Causes

Diphtheria is highly contagious. It's spread by coughs and sneezes, or through close contact with someone who's infected.

You can also get it by sharing items, such as cups, cutlery, clothing or bedding, with an infected person.

Treatment

Get urgent medical help if you have symptoms of diphtheria and:

  • You're in an area of the world where the infection is widespread
  • You have recently returned from somewhere where the infection is widespread
  • You have been in close contact with someone who has diphtheria

Diphtheria needs to be treated quickly in the hospital to help prevent serious complications, such as breathing difficulties or heart problems.

 the main treatments are:

  • Antibiotics to kill the diphtheria bacteria
  • Medicines that stop the effects of the harmful substances (toxins) produced by the bacteria
  • Thoroughly cleaning any infected wounds if you have diphtheria affecting your skin

Treatment usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Any skin ulcers usually heal within 2 to 3 months but may leave a scar.

People who have been in close contact with someone who has diphtheria may also need to take antibiotics or may be given a dose of the diphtheria vaccination.