Diphtheria is a very contagious and potentially life-threatening illness caused by a bacterium known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium strain usually resides in the upper throat of the host, but can also reside in the mouth, nose and skin. The diphtheria mortality rate is about 10% for adults and higher than 20% for children.
It used to be a disease that was quite common, but ever since the discovery of the vaccine in the 1920s, first-world countries have taken steps to eradicate it by giving vaccinations to school children. Currently, diphtheria incidences are rare in first-world countries, although outbreaks may still happen every now and then especially in places or cities where the population is brisk and sanitation is unsatisfactory.
Diphtheria still occurs in other parts of the world, and sporadic incidences may still occur. Some of these outbreaks have occurred in Latin America, as well as the nations of the former Soviet Union. The usual victims of these epidemics have been adolescents and adults that have not received the vaccine along with children.
Getting Diphtheria
Diphtheria can be contracted by breathing the bacterium that is released to the air by an infected person either by sneeze or by cough. One may also get infected by coming into close contact with the discharges of an infected person’s mouth, throat, nose and skin. For these reasons, this disease is very contagious.
Symptoms and Effects
After a person has acquired with the bacterium that causes diphtheria, it may take 3-5 days before he/she may show any signs or symptoms. A person who is inflicted with diphtheria can suffer from fatigue, fevers, sore throat and a difficulty in swallowing. Infected children may show more symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chills, and a high fever.
Also, some people may not appear to be infected at all, but contact with them may still give you illness.
After a prolonged case of the disease, the bacterium responsible for the disease will start releasing a powerful toxin that is then released into the bloodstream, causing serious damages to the other organs of the body, particularly the heart and the nerves. This toxin may damage the heart muscles, giving the afflicted person a fast and irregular heartbeat as well as low blood pressure. The toxin will also damage the peripheral nervous system and may cause seizures and other ailments. Also, it may cause the throat to swell, blocking the airways and causing suffocation.
Treating Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a very dangerous medical disease that must not be taken lightly. As soon as symptoms occur, it is always appropriate to seek medical attention immediately. If an afflicted person delays his treatment, complications may occur, and death may follow. After a person is diagnosed with diphtheria, vaccines are usually available and ready.
Of course, the best cure is always prevention. Diphtheria vaccinations are usually given as a combination shot along with tetanus and pertussis, and this shot is called the DTP vaccine. By 18 months of age, a person should receive four DTP shots with a booster shot at age 4 to 6. After that, diphtheria and tetanus boosters must be administered every ten years to provide continued protection.
