The 26th Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) convocation will go on as scheduled despite the recent death of two undergraduates due to meningitis.

Deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs) Assoc Prof Dr Idris Abdol said today that cancellation was not necessary since there was no risk to those attending the convocation, including family members and friends of graduating students.

"We plan to continue all activities as usual," he said at an impromptu press conference convened at his office in UPM, Serdang.

About 15,000 guests, excluding the graduates, are expected to attend the convocation ceremony at the university's Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah cultural and arts centre on July 13 and 14. About 4,000 graduates will receive their scrolls at this session.

Reporters had converged on Idris' office following confirmation by UPM chief medical officer Dr Yahaya Abu Ahmad that the recent death of two undergraduates were due to meningitis.

Malaysiakini reported yesterday that Loy Cheah Kee and D Thiyagarajan, both 23, had died in their rented homes in Taman Bukit Serdang and Taman Balakong Jaya on June 27 and 29 respectively. Their homes are a 15-minute drive from the campus.

Investigation into source of disease

The postmortem on Thiyagarajan confirmed that he had died of meningitis, an extremely dangerous and contagious bacterial infection which causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The Kajang Hospital confirmed the disease.

Loy's body was however released for burial before the cause of death could be determined. He had suffered from symptoms associated with the disease.

Loy, a third-year computer science undergraduate, was from Alor Setar, Kedah, while third-year diploma in agriculture student Thiyagarajan was from Mentakab, Pahang.

Idris said the health ministry, Kajang Hospital and the Petaling district health department were investigating the source of the disease, but have yet to provide details to the university administration.

On what assurances had been given to parents and students to calm their fears, Idris said the university was continuously monitoring the situation. Both the victims' course-mates and housemates have been "cleared of the disease".

"I assure the parents [they need] not be alarmed over this incident. Things are under control and there is nothing to worry about," he added.

Quarantine not ordered

Asked whether the university is considering a quarantine order in view of the two deaths, Yahaya — who was present at the press conference — said there was no such need at present.

"No, not yet. All tests have been negative so far. Furthermore, it is not the same as tuberculosis, which is more contagious and spreads very rapidly," he said.

"The risk is higher when there is prolonged exposure to a person infected with meningitis, like spending a whole day eating or playing together. The danger of infection is much lower where contact has been casual."

Hundreds of UPM students have undergone screening at the campus health centre since July 1 for the killer bacteria, which is usually lodged in the nose and throat of an infected person. Meningitis is an airborne disease, similar to tuberculosis, and the symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat and stiffness of neck.

Yahaya said about 500 students had visited the health centre daily over the past week compared to the average of 350 before. This represents a 40 percent increase.