What should you know about black diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can form a thick grey or dark membrane in the throat, nose, or tonsils. It may cause Sore Throat, fever, swollen neck glands, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. The membrane can obstruct the airway and should not be scraped away at home. A dark throat appearance has other possible causes, so examination and testing are needed; appearance alone cannot confirm diphtheria.

Arrange urgent medical assessment and tell the service that diphtheria is a concern before arriving, so infection precautions can be prepared. Avoid close contact, sharing utensils, or attending school or work until a clinician gives advice. Do not handle or remove throat material. If diphtheria is suspected, Antibiotic Treatment and other medical care may be needed, and close contacts may require assessment.

Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, blue or grey lips, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly increasing neck swelling, severe weakness, or confusion. Do not wait for a routine appointment when the airway may be narrowing. Vaccination helps prevent diphtheria; ask about Childhood Immunisation if your vaccine history is incomplete or uncertain.

Could this membrane be diphtheria or another throat infection? Do I need testing or isolation advice? Should household contacts be checked? Which vaccinations are due?