08/12/25 Public Health Education Topic: Diphtheria

Per CDC

Key points

• Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by a toxin produced by some strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

• Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against diphtheria.

• Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about diphtheria vaccines.

Types

Respiratory diphtheria

The most common and serious type of diphtheria occurs when toxin-producing C. diphtheriae infect the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat). When this happens, it's called respiratory diphtheria.

Skin infections

C. diphtheriae can also infect the skin and other body parts. Cutaneous (skin infection) diphtheria is when bacteria that make diphtheria toxin infect the skin.

How it spreads

People most commonly spread C. diphtheriae by coughing or sneezing, which creates small respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria. Other people can get infected if they breathe in those droplets.

People can also get infected from touching open sores or ulcers caused by C. diphtheriae.

Prevention

Vaccination

The best way to prevent diphtheria is to get vaccinated. CDC recommends diphtheria vaccination for everyone.

Antibiotics

Close contacts of someone with diphtheria should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick. They should also be

• Monitored for illness

• Tested for diphtheria

• Vaccinated if their diphtheria vaccines aren't up to date

Health departments investigate each diphtheria case to identify close contacts and make sure they get the right preventive measures.

To learn more visit: About Diphtheria | Diphtheria | CDC