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What is diphtheria?
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Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by the
Corynebacterium diphtheria bacteria. Diphtheria causes a thick
coating in the back of the nose or throat that makes it hard to breathe
or swallow. The disease can be deadly.
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Where is diphtheria found?
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Diphtheria is found worldwide, but a case in the United States has not
been confirmed since 2003.
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What are the symptoms of diphtheria?
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The initial symptoms of diphtheria can resemble a cold or the flu, and
include:
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Sore throat
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Mild fever
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Chills
After this initial phase, a thick coating in the back of the throat or
nose develops making it or hard to breathe or swallow.
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How is diphtheria spread?
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Diphtheria is contagious and can be spread when an infected person
coughs or sneezes. An infected person can be contagious for up to two
weeks after infection.
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How can I keep from getting diphtheria?
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A vaccine for diphtheria, DTaP, is available and is usually given to
young children in a combination with vaccines against tetanus and
pertussis. The diphtheria vaccine is also included in tetanus booster
shots available for adults.
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If I’ve been exposed to diphtheria, how long will it take for symptoms
to develop?
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The initial symptoms of diphtheria can occur between two and seven days
after exposure.
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What treatments are available for diphtheria? How serious is the
disease?
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Diphtheria is treated with an antitoxin and antibiotics. The disease can
be deadly, as around one in 10 people and one in five children who
become infected die.
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Where can I get more information on diphtheria?
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For more information online, you can visit the Centers for Disease
Control at
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/diphtheria/fs-parents.html
Or, for more information, please call the Health Department at
859.363.2070.
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