How severe is diphtheria?
Diphtheria can be life threatening if left untreated.
The disease can escalate from its initial phase (2-3 days) of sore throat, fever and loss of appetite to severe weakness and death (6-10 days).
Rapid and effective treatment is important, however even with treatment, about 1 out of 10 people who contract diphtheria will die.
Sources & Citations
2. Victorian Government. Better Health Channel. Diphtheria. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/diphtheria (accessed 27 February 2020).
8. Centers for Disease Control. Chapter 3, infectious diseases related to travel. Diphtheria. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/diphtheria (accessed 27 February 2020).
9. Centers for Disease Control. Diphtheria. Diagnosis and Treatment. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/about/diagnosis-treatment.html (accessed 27 February 2020).
SPANZ.SAPAS.18.04.0134(1)a - Date of preparation March 2020
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