Tue 9 February 2010
The vaccines > DTaP/IPV/Hib > The diseases > Diphtheria
Diphtheria is caused by infection with a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. diphtheriae).
These bacteria are usually spread in droplets of moisture coughed into the air. The bacteria then multiply in the mouth or throat of the individual who breathes them in.
Symptoms of diphtheria begin 1 to 5 days after catching the disease. The first sign is usually a mild sore throat and finding it painful to swallow. Other common symptoms are a low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, headache and a fast heart rate.