Diphtheria, an acute disease of the nose, throat, tonsils, or skin, is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae .
Diphtheria is uncommon in the United States.
From 1980 through 1993, only 40 cases were reported nationwide. Most cases occurred in people who have never been fully immunized against diphtheria or who have not received a booster dose within 10 years. There are two types of diphtheria. One type involves the nose, throat and tonsils. Early symptoms include a sore throat, mild fever and swollen lymph nodes located in the neck.