'Diphtheria' death investigated

Diphtheria can be passed on by sneezing

Health officials are investigating if a woman who died in the West Midlands was a victim of diphtheria.

The 67-year-old from Pakistan was visiting relatives in Solihull when she fell ill. She died on her way to Solihull Hospital on 9 July.

A post mortem examination indicated the woman may have died from diphtheria, a type of bacterial infection.

It is very unusual in the UK where it has killed just two people in the last 30 years.

The illness affects the upper respiratory tract, leading to a sore throat, fever and swollen neck glands.

Heart failure can also occur in severe cases.

Diphtheria can only be contracted through infected droplets from the nose and throat and is passed on by means such as coughing and sneezing.

The woman's family and health staff who came into contact with her have been given antibiotics and booster vaccinations as a precaution.

A spokesperson for Birmingham Heartlands and Solihull NHS Trust said it was hoped that all the people who the woman had been in contact with had been treated and that there should be no risk of the disease spreading.

The latest test results are expected on Monday afternoon.