Diphtheria serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous
membranes of the nose and throat.
Diphtheria signs and symptoms usually begin 2 to 5 days after a person becomes
infected. Signs and symptoms may include:
A thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils
A sore throat and hoarseness
Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Nasal discharge
Fever and chills
Tiredness
Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria
A second type of diphtheria can affect the skin, causing pain, redness and
swelling similar to other bacterial skin infections. Ulcers covered by a gray
membrane also may be a sign of skin diphtheria.