Diphtheria
Clinical Manifestations
An acute, infectious, bacterial disease of the oral cavity, nose, or skin caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The throat may appear inflamed, and patches of a grayish membrane may be seen on the throat. Respiratory diphtheria can progress from inflammation to swelling of the neck, appearing as a “bull-neck.” It is transmitted person-to-person by airborne droplets.
Incubation Period
- Usually 2-7 days
- Period of Communicability
- Usually 2 weeks or less, but rare chronic carriers may shed organisms for up to 6 months. Effective antibiotic therapy promptly terminates shedding.
- Applicable Laws For Indiana Schools
- Contacts who are food handlers, childcare providers, or health care workers shall be excluded from work until bacteriologic examination proves they are not carriers.
(410 IAC 1-2.3-63(4))
School Nursing Implications
- All children should be immunized with a series of 3 diphtheria (DTaP) shots within the first year of life. A dose should be given during the second year of life and a booster dose between the age of 4-6 years. Following the primary series, one dose of Td toxoid should be administered every 10 years. School children may be screened and provided a dose at 11 to 12 years of age.
- Although distinctly uncommon today, sporadic cases can occur, primarily in unvaccinated persons who have traveled overseas or had contact with foreign visitors. For this reason, any severe sore throat should be referred for medical evaluation.
Related Sites/Additional Information
www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/pink/dip.pdf
http://www.nih.gov/health/InformationIndex/HealthIndex/Pubincov.htm
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