A 2-year-old boy who was not vaccinated dies of diphtheria

JOHOR BAHRU: A 25-month-old boy died from a diphtheria infection, died two days ago, said the Director General of Health, Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He added that the child had never been vaccinated since birth.

He started having fever, cough and tonsils swollen on February 16th.

He added that the boy had been taken to the emergency of a hospital on February 18 in a deplorable state and had been admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for respiratory badistance and that he was in a state of emergency. he had received an injection of antitoxin.

"Unfortunately, the child could not be saved and on February 21, he succumbed to severe diphtheria with organ failure," he said today.

He added that a sample taken in the throat had revealed the presence of the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and that the Ministry of Health was waiting for laboratory results to determine the presence of toxins from diphtheria.

Hisham said that diphtheria is caused by a bacterial infection that affects the lining of the throat and makes the tonsils swell.

This could lead to bacteremic complications (bloodstream infections) and endocarditis (heart infection) and organ failure, which could be fatal.

"The Ministry has taken measures to limit the spread of infection (diphtheria), including actively conducting inspections in the residential area where the case was reported, by organizing immunization and education information sessions. for health, "he said.

Hisham said that since January, only one confirmed case of diphtheria in Malaysia.

He said last year that 18 cases and five deaths involving children under 10 years were reported in the country. In four of the five deaths, the victims were not vaccinated.

Hisham advised the public to always be aware of infectious diseases such as diphtheria, measles, mumps and pertussis, which could be prevented by vaccination.

"Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect children from infection. Lack of vaccination will not only expose them to infections, but will also be harmful to others, "he said.

He called on parents who have not yet vaccinated their children to come forward and ensure that they are vaccinated according to the schedule set by the Ministry of Health.