Diphtheria

Report Confirmed or Suspect Cases Immediately to the Local Health Department.

Diphtheria is a severe respiratory disease that is caused by toxin-producing bacteria. The bacteria live in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person and spread through coughing and sneezing. Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease.  Getting vaccinated against diphtheria will protect people from getting this disease. Before the vaccine was available, diphtheria was a common childhood illness.

Education Materials
Clinical Guidance
Disease Prevention
Last Reviewed: 7/7/2023