Diphtheria

Also known as:  Diphtheritis

Diphtheria is an acute, highly contagious Bacterial Infection of the Respiratory Tract.  It generally affects the Throat, but occasionally also affects other Mucous Membranes and the Skin.  Diphtheria is spread by direct contact with a patient or carrier or by contaminated Milk.  After an incubation period of two to six days a Sore Throat (Pharyngitis), weakness and mild Fever develop.  Later, a soft grey membrane forms across the Throat, constricting Air Passages and causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing.