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What is Diphtheria?

April 26, 2017diphtheria

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What is Diphtheria?

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Diphtheria is a disease caused by a harmful protein called a toxin that is released by diphtheriae bacteria. The toxin attacks the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. About two people every year in the United States get diphtheria. Prevent this disease by keeping current with your DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine. Protection fades over time. Therefore, teens and even adults need a TD (tetanus, diphtheria) vaccine every 10 years. From the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, 2000.