Causative agent

It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Clinical features

It mainly affects children. Affected persons may have fever, sore throat with patches of greyish membrane adhered to the throat, and breathing difficulty. In serious cases, it can cause airway obstruction, heart failure and nerve damage. Fatal cases can occur.

Mode of transmission

It is spread by contact with patient or carrier. Less commonly, a person may get infected through contact with articles soiled with discharges from affected persons.

Incubation period

The incubation period ranges from 1 to 10 days, usually 2 to 5 days.

Management

The patient should be admitted to hospital for treatment and isolation. All close contacts should have laboratory test on secretions taken from nose/throat and should be observed for symptoms of diphtheria for 7 days.

Prevention

1. Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.
2. Maintain good indoor ventilation.
3. Keep hands clean and wash hands properly.
4. Wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions e.g. after sneezing.
5. Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly.
6. Cleanse used toys and furniture properly.
7. Disinfect soiled articles properly.
8. Active immunization with diphtheria toxoid can provide long-lasting protection in the majority of immunized children. (Please refer to the updated programme of immunization)