Where does diphtheria come from?

Diphtheria comes from infection with toxin-producing bacteria that spread mainly through close contact and respiratory droplets. Contact with infected secretions can also transmit the bacteria. Vaccination reduces the chance of illness and helps limit spread in communities.

An infected person may release bacteria when coughing, sneezing or talking. Shared objects contaminated with nose or throat secretions can be another route. People without complete protection may become infected after close exposure, and some carriers have few symptoms. Diphtheria is not caused by cold air or by a virus. A sore throat has many causes, so the symptom alone cannot identify this infection.

Keep routine vaccinations up to date and avoid sharing drinks, utensils or personal items with someone who may be infected. If close contact has occurred, call a healthcare service for advice rather than waiting for symptoms. Treatment may include Antibiotic Treatment when a clinician confirms or strongly suspects bacterial infection. Childhood Immunisation covers routine prevention.

Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow, drooling, a rapidly worsening throat or collapse. Arrange prompt medical review after a relevant exposure if fever, sore throat, marked weakness or a throat coating develops. See Sore Throat for additional symptom guidance, while remembering that severe breathing or swallowing problems are emergencies.

Ask whether your exposure needs testing, preventive treatment or temporary separation from others. Check your vaccination record, ask whether close contacts need advice, and describe when symptoms or exposure began.