How is diphtheria transmitted?

Droplets/drainage: Diptheria is spread by contact with respiratory tract droplets from a respiratory carrier or drainage from skin lesions from a person with cutaneous diptheria..

Contact w/infected: Diphtheria is transmitted by droplet infection through contact with a patient or carrier. The probability of spread depends on the closeness & duration of contact. Prolonged contact (sleeping in the same room) is usually required. The incubation period is 2-5 days. Diphtheria is communicable while while virulent bacilli are present in discharges, usually about 2 weeks. Ab reduce time to 48 hrs.