MoH Warns Public That HFMD Can Be Deadly, Sarawak Toddler Becomes First Reported Death

Malaysians everywhere are being extra vigilant this past month due to an influx of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases across the nation since January 2018. Most recently, an increase in cases has also been reported in Kuala Lumpur, keeping everyone in the capital city on high alert.

Now, it looks like one child has sadly died due to the outbreak of this disease. According to The Star, a 2-year-old child in Sarawak passed away from suspected HFMD on Saturday (28th July). 

Source: fmt

In a statement from Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the toddler reportedly suffered a fever on 24th July along with rashes on the hands and feet. The child also had oral ulcers on the following day. He told the daily,

“The child was taken to the Daro Health Clinic on July 25, 2018, diagnosed with suspected HFMD and given treatment. The mother was advised to seek immediate treatment if her child did not recover.”

Unfortunately, the 2-year-old was not getting better and was in an unstable condition. The child was quickly taken to the hospital’s emergency department on 27th July, after which, the toddler was transferred to Sibu Hospital for further treatment.

The child, however, died in Sibu Hospital the following day (28th July) due to severe pneumonia caused by HFMD infection.

Just one day before the poor child’s death, a public health specialist in the health ministry’s Disease Control Division, Dr Norita Shamsudin, warned the public that HFMD can be deadly if not treated immediately. 

She told Free Malaysia Today,

“Viral infections, especially Enterovirus 71 (EV71), can cause complications like dehydration, brain inflammation, heart and lung failure, and ultimately death.”

“That is what worries us the most because the majority of HFMD cases this year are caused by EV71.”

Source: the star

“What is important is the preventive measures that must be taken by the parents and nursery operators to prevent the disease from spreading. Cleanliness must be stressed. It is important that the child gets immediate treatment if there are signs of infection. Do not take them to public places.”

So, let’s heed this warning and be extra careful! Learn the signs of HFMD so you can immediately seek treatment before the disease has a chance to get worse!

Also read: HFMD Cases Have Just Been Reported in TTDI Primary School, Classroom Ordered Shut