Diphtheria very serious infection of the skin or throat. It is vaccine preventable.
Diphtheria is a contagious infection of the skin (cutaneous) or throat (respiratory).
It is caused by a germ that makes a poison, which can make people really sick, and in serious cases, can lead to death.
Since the start of the year, there has been an outbreak in the Kimberley and the Norther Territory. It continues to spread in the Kimberley and is also showing up in the Pilbara and other states.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 5 days after exposure.
Skin diphtheria
Skin diphtheria is the more common infection, and its symptoms include:
- Skin sores and ulcers that don’t heal, mostly on the legs.
Throat diphtheria
Throat diphtheria is the most serious infection. It is a poison infection in the throat, and its Symptoms include:
- Sore throat, fever and chills.
- Trouble swallowing and breathing,
- Greyish coating on the throat and tonsils.
- Swollen, painful neck glands.
- Tiredness, not feeling hungry.
Diphtheria is vaccine preventable.
The vaccine for diphtheria is free, safe, effective and has been used in Australia for more than 100 years.
The vaccine is called dTpa because it also protects you against other two other illnesses: tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis).
Tetanus is a dangerous disease caused by germs in the dirt and dust. Whooping cough is a germ infection that causes serious coughing and trouble breathing. Most people get the vaccine as part of their standard childhood vaccinations. Regular booster shots are required for adults. Because of the outbreak, we encourage adults that haven’t had a booster within the last 5 years to get vaccinated.
The vaccine is extremely effective at preventing Diphtheria infection, but less powerful in preventing its spread.
BRAMS patients can get the vaccine anytime during clinic hours, or at our Wednesday walk in vaccine clinic at the Boulevard between 8.30am and 4pm. Local Pharmacies and Community health can also provide vaccination.
Boosters recommended every 5-10 yrs for Adults.
Contact the Clinic if you have a sore throat or Skin sores!
