Immunization - Preventable Diseases

What is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a very serious disease that can make a person unable to breathe, cause paralysis (when a person cannot move some muscles) or heart failure. It is spread by coughing and close contact.

About one of every 10 people who get diphtheria dies from it. Fortunately, only a few cases were reported in the United States during the past few years, but larger outbreaks continue to occur in other areas of the world.

Last Updated: 5/5/00

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