Page last updated
13 January 2022
Diphtheria can be life threatening if left untreated.
FAQ
How severe is diphtheria?
The disease can escalate from its initial phase of sore throat, fever and loss of appetite to formation of an abnormal membrane in the throat within 2–3 days, which can cause severe weakness and death.
Rapid and effective treatment is important, however even with treatment, about 1 out of 10 people who contract diphtheria will die.
Sources & Citations
5.Centers for Disease Control. Chapter 4, travel-related infectious diseases. Diphtheria. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-related-infectious-diseases/diphtheria (accessed 24 November 2021).
6. Centers for Disease Control. Diphtheria. Diagnosis and Treatment. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/about/diagnosis-treatment.html (accessed 24 November 2021).
MAT-AU-2102461 Date of preparation January 2022
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