HFMD claims first casualty
FMT Reporters | July 28, 2018
Child, aged 2, dies of hand, foot and mouth disease in Mukah, Sarawak.
PETALING JAYA: A two-year-old child today died of suspected hand, foot, mouth disease (HFMD) in Sarawak.
It is the first such fatality reported in the outbreak so far this year. A total of 37,986 such cases have been reported since Jan 1.
The toddler was from Kampung Pangtray, Daro, in Mukah, Sarawak.
Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the child had fever on July 24 and showed signs of rashes on the palms and feet, as well as oral ulcers the next day.
“The child was taken to the Daro health clinic on July 25 and was diagnosed with suspected HFMD and given treatment.
“The mother was advised to seek immediate treatment if her child did not recover,” he said.
Yesterday, the child was taken to the emergency and trauma department of the Daro Hospital in an unstable condition and referred to Sibu Hospital for future treatment, but died at Sibu Hospital at 2.08am today.
The cause of death was stated as severe pneumonia with HFMD infection.
“Clinical samples were taken to verify the cause of death.”
The health ministry has advised the public, especially those with young children, to take precautions to reduce their risk of being infected. This includes personal hygiene and avoiding public places.
HFMD, caused by infection of the Coxsackie A16 and EV71 virus, can spread through contact with saliva, blisters and faeces.
Since Jan 1, 539 premises throughout the country have been closed after outbreaks, 241 of them nurseries, 259 kindergartens and 39 schools.
Yesterday, a doctor warned that chronic complications arising from HFMD disease could lead to death.
Public health specialist in the health ministry’s Disease Control Division, Dr Norita Shamsudin said although HFMD was a mildly infectious contagious disease, the risks were high if not treated early.
“Viral infections, especially Enterovirus 71 (EV71), can cause complications like dehydration, brain inflammation, heart and lung failure, and ultimately death.”
Meanwhile, health authorities in Negeri Sembilan said the state recorded 1,506 cases of HFMD since Jan 1 this year.
Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumerism Committee chairman S. Veerapan said it was an increase of 935 cases compared to the 571 cases during the corresponding period last year.
Seremban recorded the highest number of cases with 1,051, followed by Jempol (121); Port Dickson (84); Rembau (82); Kuala Pilah (77); Jelebu (48) and Tampin (43), he said.
So far, five premises in Seremban and Port Dickson had been ordered to close due to HFMD.
