diphtheria

Definition

A serious, contagious bacterial disease that typically causes a thick coating to form in the back of the throat and can lead to difficulty breathing or heart failure.

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek word 'diphthera,' meaning 'leather' or 'membrane,' referring to the tough, leathery membrane that forms in the throat during an active infection.

In the news

Diphtheria is listed in the article as one of the childhood diseases for which vaccines are recommended for all children under the new executive order. It is cited as a standard condition prevented by long-established immunization protocols.

Trump issues executive order aimed at rewriting childhood vaccine schedule

Scientific American

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