Diphtheria: Risks

What are the risks of getting diphtheria?

Babies and children are most at risk for becoming infected with diphtheria–and for suffering from complications of the disease. But anyone who has not been immunized is at risk of becoming infected.

If you or your children have not been vaccinated and have never had the illness, you are at risk of infection. Diphtheria is very contagious and easy to catch when you have contact with someone who is infected with the bacteria.

Travellers who are not vaccinated may be at risk for catching diphtheria when visiting a country where the disease is still prevalent.