Situation and vulnerability
People who are not or insufficiently vaccinated are at risk. Discontinuations of vaccination and promiscuity favour outbreaks; carriers without signs can transmit the bacteria.
Signs and limits of their interpretation
Throat pain, fever, neck ganglia and weakness may accompany a grey coating that interferes with swallowing or breathing. Heart or nerve damage is possible.
Diagnosis and monitoring
Confirmation must be arranged quickly. The treatment of suspicion should not be delayed pending the results; breathing difficulties are urgent.
Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →
Prevention and care
Suspicion requires rapid care, sometimes with antitoxin and antibiotics. Contacts should follow the assessment proposed by the authorities and verify their vaccination.
Practical issues
Has he had diphtheria dispensed with vaccination?
No. WHO also recommends post-acute vaccination in people who have had the disease. The professional specifies the necessary doses according to history and local recommendations.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
- Vaccine diary and latest recalls
- Beginning of throat or breathing disorders
- Close contacts and travel
Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. AI illustration; it does not depict a disease, biological agent or diagnosis.
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Related fact sheets
These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.
- Haemophilus influenzae infection
- Infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Pneumococcal infection
- Group A streptococcal infection
- Leprosy
- Meningococcal meningitis
Compare Diphtheria with associated sheets →
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