3 Feb 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 3) received findings of post-mortem from the Malaysian health authority.
The certified cause of death of the boy who passed away in Kuala Lumpur on January 31 was septicaemic shock secondary to Group A Streptococcal infection, a spokesman for CHP said.
Group A Streptococcus is a common human pathogen that causes skin and soft tissue infection, sore throat and other forms of sepsis. It is transmitted through large respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected patient. Infections caused by Group A Streptococcus can be treated by antibiotics. Septicaemic shock can be one of the rare and severe complications of Group A Streptococcus infection.
Meanwhile, CHP had already contacted the nine travel companions having close contact with the child and assessed their health condition. All of them were asymptomatic. They were now put under medical surveillance.
Staff of CHP and Education Bureau today paid a visit to the school which the boy attended. No unusual sickness pattern was found in the school. Health advice had been provided to the management of the school.