Diphtheria is most common in areas where people live in crowded conditions with poor sanitation. Persons, especially children, who are not immunized or who did not receive adequate immunization are most at risk. This poison can spread through the body and cause serious, often life-threatening complications. The diphtheria toxin can damage the heart muscles and cause heart failure or paralyze the breathing muscles. The membrane that forms over the tonsils can also move deeper into the throat and block the airway.
Diphtheria is a medical emergency.
A delay in treatment can result in death or long-term heart disease. A person with diphtheria should be hospitalized until fully recovered. Persons who have been in close contact with the patient should have throat cultures and be given antibiotics. They should be closely watched for possible symptoms. Close contacts who have not been immunized should receive a complete series of diphtheria shots.