diphtheria: Quick Facts

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Three line graphs display the dramatic decline in reported cases of diphtheria, polio, and measles in the United States from 1920 to 2019, each showing a sharp drop after the introduction of their respective vaccines. Diphtheria cases fell after 1921, polio after 1955, and measles after 1963, illustrating the impact of mass vaccination programs. An inset highlights an increase in measles cases after 2010.

A chart showing the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended immunization schedule for children from birth to 6 years, listing vaccines and timing for each dose across a timeline, with color-coded markers for standard and high-risk recommendations.

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Topics

laryngeal diphtheria faucial diphtheria anterior nasal diphtheria cutaneous diphtheria nasopharyngeal diphtheria diphtheritic laryngitis diphtheria toxoid Corynebacterium diphtheriae diphtheria antitoxin notifiable disease cholera polio leprosy tuberculosis plague syphilis measles anthrax scarlet fever gonorrhea

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Key People

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Friedrich August Johannes Löffler

German bacteriologist

Émile Roux

Émile Roux

French bacteriologist

Baillou, detail of an oil painting by an unknown artist, c. 1580

Guillaume de Baillou

French physician

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Pierre-Fidèle Bretonneau

French physician

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