What Is The Illness Diptheria Like?

It's a multi-faceted illness, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria.

At its mildest, diptheria may manifest in only skin lesions (a cutaneous form).  These are not considered serious or contagious.  The scarey form of the illness is respiratory.  The disease spreads via aerosol contact (germs in the air).  Early onset symptoms may include nausea, high fever, chills and a high fever.  Later an adherent membrane appears on the tonsils. phraynx or nose, causing breathing difficulties.  Toxins produced by the bacteria may cause acclerated heart rate, and in 10% of sufferers exhibit a very swollen neck, this is the main area of infection.  These individuals are at highest risk of death (untreated, about 7% of adults, and 20% of children).  It is essential that an anti-toxin be administered in severe cases.

Long term/permanet after effects can include cardiac and neurological problems.

The diptheria vaccine wears off as you get older.  Those travelling to places where the disease is still prevalent (Africa, North Korea, Ukraine, Indonesia, Colombia, Russia) need boosters.

The bacteria can survive outside its human host for over a year.  Diptheria is considered one of the most threatening of possible resurgent diseases.