Enterovirus 71 in Malaysia: A decade later
In the last decade, Malaysia has experienced several hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics, complicated by fatalities due to severe neurological involvement. Enterovirus 71 (EV-71) has been implicated as the major causative agent for these epidemics. EV-71 infection is a global public health...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
2011
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://eprints.um.edu.my/7327/1/Enterovirus_71_in_Malaysia-_A_decade_later.pdf http://eprints.um.edu.my/7327/ |
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| Summary: | In the last decade, Malaysia has experienced several hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics, complicated by fatalities due to severe neurological involvement. Enterovirus 71 (EV-71) has been implicated as the major causative agent for these epidemics. EV-71 infection is a global public health problem with pandemic potential. In many parts of Asia-Pacific, the virus has emerged as one of the most deadly virus infections amongst young children. The virus is highly transmissible through faecal-oral route and respiratory droplets. A recent rise in neurological complications and deaths suggests that the viruses currently circulating may be more virulent. The major risk factor associated with more severe EV-71 infection is young age and poor cellular immunity. Rapid laboratory diagnosis and molecular surveillance is important to closely monitor the emergence of new EV-71 subgenotypes. Since vaccine and anti-virals for EV-71 are not available, control and prevention strategies remain the only ways to combat the infection. |
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