IMMEDIATELY REPORTABLE DISEASE: Any suspected case should be reported immediately by telephone to the Local Health Officer and by the Health Officer to the State Department of Health and Senior Services; include clinical and laboratory information supporting the diagnosis for appropriate investigation and control recommendations.

CLINICAL DESCRIPTION

Diphtheria is an upper respiratory tract illness with sore throat, a low-grade fever and an adherent membrane of the tonsil(s), pharynx and/or nose without other apparent cause (as reported by health professional). Diphtheria, a very serious disease, usually occurs as membranous nasopharyngitis and/or obstructive laryngotracheitis; these local infections are associated with a low-grade fever and the gradual onset of manifestations over 1 to 2 days.

Communicability in untreated persons usually persists for 2 weeks or less, but occasionally the organism may persist for several months. The incubation period usually is 2 to 5 days but occasionally may be longer.Cutaneous diphtheria is not reportable.

CASE CLASSIFICATION

1. CONFIRMED
   
   A confirmed case has the symptoms described above AND is either:
   • Epidemiologically linked to a laboratory-confirmed case, OR
   • Laboratory confirmed by culture of the causative organism, Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
     NOTE: Any C. diphtheriae isolate should be sent to the State Laboratory for additional testing.
     

2. PROBABLE

   A probable case has the symptoms described above but is not epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case and has no laboratory confirmation.

   
   

3. POSSIBLE
   
   Initially reported on the basis of clinical diagnosis, until confirmation is obtained or probable case status is established; no possible case classifications are retained.

What you should know about Diphtheria?