The Ministry of Health of Malaysia (MOH) is reporting that a child has died suspected of Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) on Saturday.

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Image/shawn c
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Image/shawn c

The 2-year 5-month-old child is from Kampung Pangtray, Daro , Mukah, Sarawak. He began to have a fever on July 24, 2018 and showed signs of palms and palms and oral ulcers on July 25, 2018. Furthermore, the child was taken to Daro Health Clinic (KK) on July 25, 2018 and was diagnosed as suspected of HFMD where he was given treatment and his mother was advised to seek treatment immediately if his son got worse.

On July 27, 2018, the child was taken to the Emergency and Trauma Department, Daro Hospital in an unstable condition and was referred to Sibu Hospital for further treatment. However, he died at Sibu Hospital at 2:08 am on July 28, 2018 with the cause of death due to severe pneumonia with HFMD infection. Clinical samples were taken for the confirmation of the cause of death.

MOH would like to advise the public, especially those with small children to take the following precautions to reduce their risk of being infected:
a) Wash hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet, before preparing food, after changing the diapers and washing the stools of children.
b) Shut your mouth and nose during cough and sneeze.
c) DO NOT share personal items such as toothbrushes, handkerchiefs, towels, blankets, cups, forks, and spoons.
d) Always maintain hygiene at home, child care centers, kindergartens and schools, and its surroundings.
e) Wash all toys and table surfaces, chairs, floors, etc., which have been contaminated with children’s saliva.
f) Bring children to the nearest clinic or hospital if they have signs or symptoms of infection.
g) Parents are advised not to bring their children to public places such as swimming pools, markets, shopping centers, bus stations, and others.
h) Parents of children showing signs or symptoms of infection, do not send the child to a nursery, nursery, kindergarten or school. The sick child should be taken to the clinic for treatment.

Malaysia has reported 35,886 HFMD cases through July 21.

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