PUTRAJAYA, June 23 ― None of the friends and schoolmates of the seven-year-old girl who died of diphtheria bacterial infection in Ujong Pasir, Melaka, showed similar symptoms so far. 

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said control measures were still being undertaken at all clinics, kindergartens and residential areas to detect close contacts of the victim in the state, as well as in the case reported in Kuala Muda, Kedah. 

“All close contacts (35 in Melaka and eight in Kedah) have been identified and those showing the symptoms have been referred to hospital for further examination. 

“Clinical samples from all the close contacts have also been taken for tests. Samples from nine contacts in Melaka were tested negative, while the rest were awaiting results,” he said in a statement here today. 

Family members and close contacts of the patients have been given antibiotic prophylaxis and their health status were being closely monitored. 

Dr Noor Hisham said two deaths of diphtheria were reported so far, with one in Melaka last Saturday and the other in Kedah yesterday. 

In both cases, he said the victims had not received complete immunisation for diphtheria and hence, died of infection complications.  

Two other cases of confirmed diphtheria in Melaka and seven cases of suspected diphtheria in Kedah were currently receiving treatment in hospitals.  

Diphtheria is an infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphteriae and usually spread through droplets breathed out into the air. 

Dr Noor Hisham said the bacteria would attack the nasopharynx (the nose and throat) and would produce a toxin that causes the serious complications of diphtheria and breathing difficulties. 

“The toxin can enter the blood vessel, causing nerve damage, heart failure and even death. 

“Diphtheria infection has a high death rate of between 25 to 50 per cent,” he said. 

The vaccine to prevent diphtheria is incorporated in five doses of DTaPIPV//Hib (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio and Haemophilus influenza type b) which should be given to children at the age of two months, three months, five months, and 18 months. 

“Children who have received this complete immunisation will only show minor symptoms when infected and will be protected from complications,” Dr Noor Hisham said. ― Bernama