A medical officer holds up a syringe containing the vaccine for diphtheria. AFP File Photo
SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Health Clinic opened its Diphtheria Epidemic Operation Room on Aug 4, following the death of a nine-year-old boy due to the disease on July 26.
According to State Health Director, Datuk Dr Christina Rundi, the boy, who is not a Malaysian citizen, was believed to have had incomplete immunisation.
“The boy began to show symptoms of fever, cough, flu and sore throat since July 18, and was taken to the Duchess of Kent Hospital, Sandakan on July 21 to be treated with diphtheria antitoxins and antibiotics.
“Based on a swab test, the boy tested positive for corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. However, the child died on July 26,” she said when contacted by reporters today.
Two out of 18 persons who lived with the boy had mild symptoms and have been treated while the rest were given prophylaxis treatment. Seven children who lived at the same house with the boy had received complete diphtheria immunisation while the immunisation of 11 others including his parents are still ongoing.
Family members who live nearby are healthy and have been given prophylaxis treatment, Christina added.
Diphtheria is a preventative disease caused by corynebacterium diphtheria. Germs spread through respiratory droplets and will be risky to others, in particular children who are less resistant and those without antibodies who have not been immunised.
The State Health Department emphasised that complete immunisation is able to prevent infection and if infected, symptoms are mild.
Parents with children under the age of seven are advised to review their children’s immunisation status and ensure that children have completed five-round immunisations so that optimal protection can be provided.
Proactive measures of all parties will enhance the community’s immunity and stop diphtheria from continuing to be a public health problem.