1997 Sarawak HFMD outbreak

1997 Sarawak HFMD Outbreak

Disease	[[Hand, foot, and mouth disease|Hand, foot, and mouth disease]]
Virus strain	[[|{{{virus_strain}}}]]
First case
Origin	[[|{{{origin}}}]]
Date	April 1997
Confirmed cases
Suspected cases
Recovered
Deaths	31
Territories

The 1997 Sarawak HFMD Outbreak was a significant public health event in Sarawak, Malaysia, characterized by an epidemic of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) that primarily affected young children. The outbreak was notable for its high morbidity and mortality, with 31 reported deaths, making it one of the deadliest HFMD outbreaks in the region.

Background

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children under 5 years old. It is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, with Enterovirus 71 (EV71) being one of the most severe strains associated with neurological complications and fatalities.

Epidemiology

The outbreak began in April 1997 and rapidly spread across Sarawak, a state in Malaysia located on the island of Borneo. The majority of cases were reported in children under the age of 5. The outbreak was primarily caused by the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) strain, which is known for causing severe neurological complications such as encephalitis and acute flaccid paralysis.

Clinical Presentation

The clinical presentation of HFMD includes fever, sore throat, and a characteristic rash with vesicles on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. In the 1997 Sarawak outbreak, many children presented with severe neurological symptoms, including meningitis, encephalitis, and myocarditis, which contributed to the high mortality rate.

Public Health Response

The Malaysian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with international health organizations, implemented several measures to control the outbreak. These included:

• Public health education campaigns to inform the public about the symptoms and transmission of HFMD.
• Closure of schools and childcare centers to prevent further spread among children.
• Enhanced surveillance and reporting of HFMD cases.
• Research and investigation into the virology and epidemiology of the outbreak.

Impact

The 1997 Sarawak HFMD outbreak had a profound impact on public health policy in Malaysia. It highlighted the need for improved surveillance systems and rapid response strategies for emerging infectious diseases. The outbreak also led to increased research into the development of vaccines and antiviral treatments for HFMD.

Also see

• Enterovirus 71
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease
• 1998 Taiwan HFMD outbreak
• Public health in Malaysia