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Cause:
Toxigenic strains of the bacterium Corynebacterium
diphtheriae.
Illness and treatment:
Classic diphtheria is an upper-respiratory tract illness
characterized by sore throat, low-grade fever, and an
adherent membrane of the tonsil(s), pharynx, and/or nose,
sometimes with neck swelling. Diphtheria can involve almost
any mucous membrane and may also be cutaneous. Treatment is
with antitoxin, antibiotics, and supportive care.
Sources:
Humans carriers are the reservoir and are usually
asymptomatic. Transmission is through respiratory droplets,
but may occur from skin lesions or articles soiled with
discharges.
Additional risks:
Susceptible travelers to areas where routine immunization of
adults is lacking are at higher risk for diphtheria
infection, especially if an epidemic is in progress.
Prevention:
Universal immunization including booster doses prevents
infection. Respiratory and hand hygiene prevent
transmission.
Recent Washington trends:
The last recorded case was in 1981.
2008:
No cases were reported.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
- To assist in the diagnosis
of cases.
- To assure early and
appropriate treatment with diphtheria antitoxin and
antibiotics.
- To identify and evaluate
contacts and recommend appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis
and/or immunization to prevent further spread of the
disease.
- To alert public health
authorities to the presence of diphtheria cases and the
possibility of additional cases developing in the area, a
particular concern given the large number of susceptible
adults.
Legal Reporting Requirements
-
Health care
providers: immediately notifiable to local health
jurisdiction.
-
Hospitals:
immediately notifiable to local health jurisdiction.
-
Laboratories:
notifiable to local health jurisdiction within 2 work
days, specimen submission required.
-
Local health
jurisdiction: notifiable to the Washington State
Department of Health (DOH) Communicable Disease
Epidemiology Section (CDES) within 7 days of case
investigation completion or summary information required
within 21 days
Last
update
November 2009 |
