5 Things You Need To Know About Diphtheria And How It Spreads

The debate has been centred around whether vaccines in Malaysia are considered halal or not.

Recent reports revealed that several parents did not vaccinate their children because of religious reasons.

Last Thursday, 21 February, a two-year-old boy in Johor Bahru, who was never vaccinated since birth, was suspected to have passed away from severe diphtheria.

Yesterday, 24 February, another five children tested positive for having the bacterial infection, including the deceased boy's sister, New Straits Times reported.

Since 2018, nineteen diphtheria cases have been reported to date, including six deaths. Out of the six deaths, five of the victims did not receive immunisation.

The name of the bacteria, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, forms a whitish or greyish layer in the throat and tonsils.

It can cause kidney damage, heart damage, and nerve damage, eventually ending in death.

Warning: Graphic image ahead.

Lack of vaccination in children under five years old may cause the infection. It is especially dangerous for those below 15 years old.

People living in crowded or unsanitary conditions or anyone who travels to an area where diphtheria is endemic are also susceptible.

According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia, respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, and talking can spread diphtheria.

Touching contaminated items like an infected person's used tissues or toys and other household items, can also spread the infection.

In some cases, those who are infected may not even show symptoms.

You can prevent it by making sure your immunisations are up-to-date. Children are especially urged to receive their recommended vaccinations to maintain immunity, said Director-General of Health Malaysia Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

However, in advanced stages, diphtheria can be deadly even with medical treatment.