Toddler dies of diphtheria after parents refused to vaccinate her against disease

an outside view of the Miri Hospital complex where a baby girl died due to suspected diphtheria complications including breathing woes. Stephen pic

PETALING JAYA: A two-year-old girl has died in Miri Hospital, Sarawak, from diphtheria because her parents chose not to have her immunised, allegedly out of fear and superstition, with doctors saying the death could have been avoided.

A statement issued by the Health Ministry said checks showed that the victim, who was not vaccinated after birth, had experienced cough, fever and respiratory difficulties seven days before her death.