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Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria which lives in the respiratory tract of many people without causing disease. These people are called carriers and do not become infected because they have either been immunised or have immunity from having had the disease.

Symptoms include a sore throat with a greyish membrane. In severe cases the neck tissue may become swollen and affect swallowing and breathing. In tropical countries the infection may occur in skin ulcers. After 2-6 weeks, the effects of a toxin produced by the bacteria become apparent with severe muscle weakness, mainly affecting the muscles of the head and neck. Inflammation of the heart muscle may cause heart failure.

How do you catch diphtheria?

Diphtheria can spread through droplet infection from coughing and sneezing. Contact with articles soiled by infected persons may also transmit the wound infection.

Incubation period:

Usually 2-5 days, but it can be longer.

Prevention:

Effective protection is gained through immunisation. In the UK in 1940 routine immunisation against diphtheria was introduced in childhood. Travellers who are recommended to have the vaccine for travel to high risk areas require a booster dose every 10 years if a primary course has previously been given. In 2002, the Dept of Health recommended that people requiring a tetanus booster should receive the combined tetanus and diphtheria vaccine in response to waning immunity to diphtheria in the adult population.

Treatment:

Diphtheria is treated with an anti-toxin and antibiotics (usually penicillin or erythromycin). Treatment should not be delayed until laboratory confirmation is available.

Fact sheet written by:

MASTA

MASTA are specialists in travel health services. Healthcare professionals can access its daily updated database of vaccine and travel health advice by registering at www.masta.org (fee applies). Travellers can search for advice and information and find a MASTA Travel Clinic at www.masta-travel-health.com

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