A 2-year-old baby became a victim of severe diphtheria in Johor Bharu as a result of not receiving any immunisations since birth.
In a recent press statement released by the Ministry of Health, “A death occurred in the Johor Baru district on the 21st of February of suspected diphtheria infection.”
“The cases involved a child, aged two years and one month.”
Source: The Straits Times
According to the Health Ministry Director-General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the child had never gone through any form of immunisations since birth which made him sick with the illness since 16th of February.
On the 18th of February, the hapless infant was taken to the hospital’s Emergency Unit and was admitted to the Paediatric Neurologic Treatment unit for both respiratory assistance and treatment with diphtheria antitoxin.
Source: Daily Excelsior
“Unfortunately the child could not be saved and died on the 21st of February 2019 due to severe diphtheria with multi-organ failure.”
“Detection tests on throat samples showed the presence of Corynebacterium Diphtheriae Bacteria.”
In the near future, Dr Noor Hisham said that the Ministry will look to take proactive steps in its effort to curb the spread of the infection by tracing active cases in sensitive areas, providing immunisation and health education awareness.
Source: The Straits Times
The Ministry has also advised the public the be on the lookout for infectious diseases that can be prevented through immunisation such as diphtheria, measles, pertussis and many others.
“Make sure your child is immunised. Immunisation is an effective and safe way to prevent diseases.”
He added that failure to provide immunisation will not only pose a threat to the child but also endanger other children.
Source: The Bridgehead
Dr Noor Hisham explained that in 2019 there is only one recorded case of diphtheria with a total of 18 confirmed cases reported in the previous year.
Of the 18 cases reported, five resulted in death, with four of the victims not having received immunisation.
Also read: MOH: Measles Cases Rise Almost 1,000% in 5 Years Due to Misinformation About Vaccines
