Two-Year-Old Boy Latest HFMD Victim In Sarawak

KUCHING, March 16 (Bernama) -- A two-year-old boy from Rumah Mamat Sungai Belawai in Kapit is the latest victim of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Sarawak, bringing the death toll to eight.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said the boy, who was admitted to the Kapit Hospital on March 15, died about 2.50 am Thursday at the hospital.
"He died after two days of high fever and vomiting and confirmed due to the hand, foot and mouth disease which source of the virus had yet to be verified," he told reporters here Thursday.
So far, only two of the eight deaths were confirmed due to the Entrovirus 71 (EV71) and they all involved children below four years of age.
Dr Chan, who is State Natural Disaster and Aid Management Committee Chairman said only 167 new cases were reported in four divisions in Sarawak, with the highest in Sibu (30).
He also said there was no restriction on the movement of people from Sarawak although parents were advised against bringing their young children to public places.
Dr Chan said the HFMD spread could be curtailed if those with symptoms of the disease were to seek immediate treatment.
"The disease spreads very fast and if not treated early, can be fatal," he added.