Although there is little news about it today, diphtheria was one of the most common diseases found in the eastern region, especially in Europe. Known as the “Stranging Angel of Children,” it caused the suffocation deaths of many children in Europe in the 17th century. Although it is very rare to find this disease in the United States today, this disease is commonly found in places where there is poor sanitation or a dirty environment. Due to the modern understanding of transmission and composition along with the development of a vaccine; it has allowed us to go a long way in avoiding this disease. Diphtheria is caused by a pathogenic (disease-causing) bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheria also known as C. diphtheria (Nordqvist, 2004-2014). This bacterium usually affects the upper respiratory tract where inflammation occurs. In a serious case or event, this pathogen can be deadly once it enters the bloodstream leading to major parts of the body, including the heart, brain and nerves. This disease is also contagious and can be contracted through inhalation of ultramicroscopic solid or liquid particles known as aerosolized secretions, direct contact with skin secretions or ulcers, and through contaminated objects such as household or personal items. There are two types of diphtheria which is cutaneous (skin) and respiratory. Respiratory diphtheria involves areas such as the nose, throat and tonsils, while cutaneous diphtheria involves the skin (Governo, 2012). Respiratory diphtheria is extremely rare here in the United States due to the wide range of vaccinations. Respiratory diphtheria is usually known as strep throat in which the pathogen attaches to a membrane of the tonsils, larynx, and pharynx. Then it falls... middle of paper... undermines and spreads the disease further. Once the patient is free from diphtheria, only then can he be allowed to leave the isolation ward and the hospital. Thanks to the technologies and scientific methods of today's healthcare, there are many ways to prevent the onset of diphtheria. The best way to prevent this disease is to make sure everyone has an up-to-date vaccine. DTap is a vaccine that helps the body develop protection against diphtheria toxin that is released throughout the body (Prevention, 2013). This injection is given to babies between the ages of four and six months and a booster injection is then given. Once adults, a booster injection called Tdap and Td is administered in a single dose, recommended every ten years. Keeping up with vaccinations can help maintain effective control over our environment.