Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a severe bacterial disease.
The word diphtheria
refers to a number of contagious diseases that are caused by the
Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacterium. It is transmitted via
airborne particles or direct physical contact
with a person who is
infected, or contact with infected objects or foods.
The bacteria that causes diphtheria most commonly infects the
nose and throat. The throat infection causes a grey to black,
tough, fiber-‐like
covering, which can block the airways. In some
cases, diphtheria may first infect the skin, producing skin lesions.
Once infected, toxins produced by the bacteria can spread
through the bloodstream to other organs,
such as the heart, and
cause significant damage.
Incubation period
The incubation period varies between one and seven days
Symptoms of diphtheria
• Bluish coloration of the skin (cyanosis)
• Bloody,
watery drainage from nose
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