It is spread via the respiratory tract. Rarely it can occur from contact with skin lesions or soiled articles with discharges from infected persons. Early symptoms of respiratory diphtheria are a sore throat, slight fever, and chills and later, difficulty swallowing or blockage of the airway by a membrane which may be seen by a physician. Symptoms of diphtheria associated with the outer skin are usually painful, swollen, and reddened skin lesions. Symptoms usually occur within 2-5 days, following exposure to an infected person.
Human carriers exist and are often asymptomatic.
Diphtheria is usually diagnosed by physicians based upon various clinical signs and can involve any mucous membrane. Laboratory culture tests of affected tissue or lesions are generally necessary to confirm the diagnosis. There is no real treatment against diphtheria, however, following the proper and timely physician directed treatment protocols with the administration of antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin injections, may help affect a positive outcome. It is very important that close contacts to diphtheria cases be carefully monitored and evaluated. They should be promptly cultured, started on antibiotic therapy, and be given a dose of diphtheria toxoid containing vaccine.