This bacterial disease is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria and is transmitted through contact with contaminated clothing / sheets and close physical contact with infected individuals in crowded situations. Droplet transmission through coughing and sneezing can also cause spread of the bacteria.

It is an infectious bacterial disease that can cause difficulties in breathing. In severe cases, without a diphtheria vaccine, the disease can cause respiratory failure, heart failure or a build-up of toxins in the nervous system, all of which can be fatal.

Diphtheria is a preventable disease with a simple vaccine (revaxis). Travellers to areas at risk may be recommended a single course injection of Revaxis, to cover against diphtheria, tetanus and polio.

In the UK, vaccination against diphtheria infection is part of the childhood immunisation schedule.