Diphtheria is a contagious disease that is caused by bacteria. Anyone who has not been immunized can get diphtheria. Diphtheria can be very serious, especially for infants and very young children. It was once one of the most common causes of death in Canadian children under the age of 5. Thanks to immunization, in the last 20 years, less than five cases of diphtheria are reported each year in Canada.
Local Information
2023 Statistics
Incidence rate is the number of new cases of disease divided by the number of persons at risk for the disease during a particular time period.
Cases:
0*
*Includes confirmed cases in 2023.
Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2023: 0
Incidence rate per 100,000 of Diphtheria by year
Data Sources |
|
More Information about Diphtheria |
Reporting |
|
Report to the Health Unit immediately by phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if diphtheria is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have diphtheria? |
|
Contact the Health Unit. Exclusion is required, but the length is assessed on an individual case basis. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health case manager, or occupational health at your workplace. |
Vaccine Information |
|
Diphtheria is preventable by vaccination. Check your vaccination records or call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252 to book a vaccination appointment or to obtain additional information. |
Healthcare Provider Information |
|
Public Health Ontario: Diphtheria Public Health Ontario: Diphtheria - Serology Infectious Disease Protocol, Appendix 1: Diphtheria Ministry of Health: Diphtheria Guide for Healthcare Professionals Public Health Agency of Canada - Diphtheria: for Health Professionals Public Health Agency of Canada - Diphtheria Toxoid: Canadian Immunization Guide |
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: August 2024, by CDC