Is diphtheria still a risk today?

Diphtheria has become very rare where vaccination coverage is high, but outbreaks have occurred in recent decades in countries where coverage has dropped. Keeping children vaccinated on time is the main protection.

Disease

Diphtheria

A bacterial infection that can block breathing and damage the heart.

Reviewed by TinyDose editorial teamLast reviewed June 2026

What it is

A bacterial infection that can block breathing and damage the heart.

Main symptom

Sore throat with a thick grey-white coating that cannot be wiped away

How it spreads

Spread through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, or by touching infected surfaces.

Prevented by

DTaP, DTwP, Pentavalent, Hexavalent

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection of the throat and nose. It produces a thick grey coating at the back of the throat that can make breathing very difficult, and releases a toxin that can harm the heart and nerves. It is one of the three infections covered by the DTP family of vaccines.

Symptoms

Sore throat with a thick grey-white coating that cannot be wiped away
Fever and weakness
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Noisy or laboured breathing

How it spreads

Spread through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, or by touching infected surfaces.

Incubation2-5 days.

Why it's serious

Diphtheria can be rapidly fatal without treatment. It is now rare in countries with high vaccination coverage but can re-emerge quickly if immunisation rates drop.

Airway obstruction. The coating can block breathing completely
Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
Nerve damage leading to paralysis

Most at risk: Unvaccinated children under 5. Outbreaks can occur in communities with low vaccination coverage.

How to prevent Diphtheria

Vaccination is the most effective protection. Diphtheria is prevented by:

VaccineDTaPProtects against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.About the DTaP vaccine →VaccineDTwPProtects against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough using whole-cell pertussis.About the DTwP vaccine →VaccinePentavalentA single shot protecting against five infections, including hepatitis B and Hib.About the Pentavalent vaccine →VaccineHexavalentA single shot protecting against six infections, including polio and hepatitis B.About the Hexavalent vaccine →

Treatment

Treatment requires antitoxin and antibiotics, both given urgently in hospital. Vaccination is far more effective and far safer than treatment.

Common questions

Sources

Diphtheria vaccine: WHO position paper · WHO, 2006.

Information on this page is compiled from authoritative public health sources and written in TinyDose's own voice. It is intended for general understanding only. Always follow your pediatrician's guidance.

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This information is provided by TinyDose for general understanding only and is not medical advice. Vaccine names, ages and doses can vary by country, brand and individual circumstances. Always follow the guidance of your pediatrician or local health authority for your child’s vaccination schedule.