MalaysiaSarcocystosis linked to Tioman IslandDec 03, 2012Cases of sarcocystosis
According to TravelCare International, more than 60 travelers to Tioman Island in 2012 have been diagnosed with sarcocystosis, a parasitic disease. People become infected through ingesting food, water, or soil that is contaminated with animal feces. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain and diarrhea. Some people do not develop any symptoms. There is no vaccine or any specific medicine that can treat the disease.
Sarcocystosis parasites occur throughout the world, but most human cases are reported from Southeast Asia. The parasites can be destroyed by heat, which is why proper cooking increases food safety.
Continued increase in dengue infectionsAug 09, 2012Continued increase in dengue infections
According to International SOS, the number of dengue fever cases continues to rise. Nationwide, more than 13,500 people have been infected with at least 26 fatalities since the beginning of 2012. Most of the infections were reported from Johor, Kelanta, Perak and Selangor. The city of Putrajaya has also been hard hit.
Update on outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)May 21, 2012Update on outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)
According to TravelCare International, now more than 17,000 people have been infected with this disease since the beginning of the year. The outbreak began in Sarawak and has spread to peninsular Malaysia. Approximately one-fourth of positive samples have confirmed the more serious form of hand, foot and mouth disease.
All travelers are urged to maintain a high level of personal hygiene. For more information, go to
www.cdc.gov.
Update on dengue infectionsApr 10, 2012Update on dengue infections
According to International SOS, several regions in Malaysia are experiencing an increase in the number of dengue fever cases. At least 17 fatalities have occurred and more than 6,600 people have been infected since the beginning of 2012. Most of the infections were reported from Selangor, Putrajaya and Perak.
Dengue is consistently present in Malaysia. People are being urged to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds from their property.
There is no vaccine to protect people from dengue fever. Precautions should be taken at all times to prevent mosquito bites. This is the only way to prevent the disease.
Increase in dengue infectionsMar 20, 2012Increase in dengue infections
According to TravelCare International, several regions in Peninsular are reporting an increase in dengue infections. Since the beginning of 2012, more than 5,100 people have been infected with at least 16 fatalities. Most of the infections were reported from Selangor, Putrajaya and Perak.
People are being urged to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds from their property and to take measures to prevent mosquito bites.
Dengue is consistently present in Malaysia. Between May and November is the peak transmission period.
There is no vaccine to protect people from dengue fever.
Increase in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in SarawakMar 19, 2012Increase in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in Sarawak
According to TravelCare International, there is an increase of hand, foot and mouth disease across the state of Sarawak, which is on Borneo island. Over 1,900 cases have been confirmed since the beginning of the year. The districts most affected include Kuching, Samarahan, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang. For the same period in 2011, only 330 cases were reported in Sarawak.
As the majority of infections were recorded in children under the age of 5, many schools and child-care facilities were closed as a precaution. People are being urged to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is present worldwide, virtually everywhere. It is a common, contagious illness that occurs mostly in infants and children. Adults are infected occasionally. There is a dangerous strain that, in 1997, killed 29 children in Sarawak.
There is no vaccine to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease. Careful attention to hygiene can reduce the risk of infection.
Sarcocystosis OutbreakDec 06, 2011Sarcocystosis Outbreak
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a cluster of sarcocystosis has been reported among travelers returning from Malaysia. These travelers are said to have visited Tioman Island on the east coast before their illnesses occurred.
Sarcocystosis is caused by a parasite. It occurs in tropical or subtropical countries, mainly in southeast Asia. The disease usually affects animals but can also cause disease in humans. One form of the disease causes diarrhea and the other form causes muscle pain, fever, and other symptoms. However, most people infected with sarcocystis do not have symptoms.
Sarcocystosis is spread through food, water or soil contaminated with infected animal feces. There is currently no vaccine or treatment available. Most people who are infected get better on their own.
