5. Living Conditions
Another general cause of diphtheria is simply the conditions that people live in. Living in an area that is overcrowded can increase your risk of getting diphtheria. In addition, areas that are unsanitary can also be a cause of this disease as these unsanitary conditions allow the bacteria to spread and grow. When you are in a crowded environment there could be carriers of the bacteria anywhere.
Some people have a bacterial infection and do not even realize it as they do not have any of the common symptoms of the disease. Even if they are considered asymptomatic, these people can still spread the disease by leaving the bacteria wherever they go. Washing hands frequently and taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to prevent getting this disease. Simply being sneezed or coughed on by someone with the disease can allow the bacteria to enter your body and may cause you to become quite ill.