Though the NCDC said it is working with state ministries of health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak, it also warned that the infection is contagious and most cases have been laboratory confirmed.
However, each kind of diphtheria, after it has reached a severe level, can be identified through its symptoms. Diphtheria is transmissible during direct contact with infected people, contaminated clothing, objects or even coughing and sneezing from a disease-ridden person can get an individual infected.A person who has been infected with diphtheria and left untreated can be contagious for up to four weeks.
People infected with diphtheria are usually unable to infect others 48 hours after they start treatment with antibiotics.