Diphtheria
Current as of: June 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD – Internal Medicine
Diphtheria is a contagious illness caused by a type of bacteria. It can cause breathing and swallowing problems and can damage the heart and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Diphtheria, though rare, can be fatal if not treated. The DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) vaccine, given in childhood, protects…