An acute bacterial disease of the tonsils, pharynx, larynx, nose and occasionally other mucous membranes or skin.

Early signs and symptoms are fever and sore throat, with white or grayish patches on the throat, palate or tonsils, and swelling of the neck.  The early signs can be confused with severe tonsillitis or strep throat.  Lesions of cutaneous diphtheria vary and may be difficult to distinguish from impetigo.

Incubation period is 2 to 5 days.

Contact with an infected person or carrier.

Period of communicability is usually between 2 and 4 weeks.

Vaccine is available. Students must have a completed Illinois Certificate of Immunization with the recommended doses of vaccine/or legal exemptions to enter school.

Any illness suspicious of diphtheria should be immediately reported to Student Health Services, #___________________, who will report this to the Department of Health-in Kendall County to investigate and recommend appropriate control measures.