Learn about diphtheria: types, cause, risk factors, treatment, and prevention.
Diphtheria Symptoms and Complications
Respiratory diphtheria causes more serious symptoms and disease than diphtheria skin infections.
Vaccination is recommended for all babies, children, preteens, and adults.
Healthcare providers
Clinical Overview of Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an acute disease that's rare in the United States.
Diagnosis and treatment
Clinical Features of Diphtheria
Respiratory and cutaneous diphtheria are the most common disease presentations.Clinical Guidance for Diphtheria
Information on diagnosis, testing, treatment, and prevention of diphtheria.- CDC can distribute diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) to healthcare providers to treat diphtheria.
Public health professionals
Diphtheria Surveillance and Trends
CDC tracks diphtheria cases nationally. Diphtheria is now an uncommon disease in the United States.
Laboratory Testing for Diphtheria
CDC has the only U.S. laboratory that performs specialized testing to confirm diphtheria diagnoses.
CDC's Pertussis and Diphtheria Laboratory
CDC has a laboratory focused on innovative research related to pertussis and diphtheria.