Dengue Fever is now a major infectious disease in Malaysia (Update 2014)

The number of Dengue cases had increased dramatically over the past few weeks and below is the statistic by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia.

Parents should be vigilant of the child's fever especially during current period and bring the child to doctor for examination and blood investigation if necessary.The type of blood test (either Dengue NS-1 or Ig M) is mentioned in the chart below.

Source: CDC

                               
                                       Source: PIDJ Volume 32, Number 9, September 2013

Chicken Pox Vaccine in Malaysia

After an absence for about 1 and a half year, the chickenpox (Varicella zoster) vaccine is finally back in Malaysia. This time round, we managed to get the vaccine from MSD called Varivax. For those parents who want the vaccine please called 06-7677800 ext 1119 to book for an appointment.

Common skin infection among children in Malaysia : Impetigo

2. Impetigo

Can be divided into 2 types:

Bullous:  which causes fluid filled, painless vesicles usually over  face, body and arms and legs.

Ethyma: Usually painful, pus filled that turns into deep ulcers commonly on the arms and legs.

Caused by: Bacteria (Streptococcal or Staphylococcal infection)

Treatment: Antibiotics and local antiseptic cream or solution. (Please consult your doctor)

Common skin infection among children in Malaysia :Scabies

1. Scabies

Occuring over the webspace of the fingers and folds in skin and spread to other parts of the body.

Usually very itchy.

Cause by: Sarcoptes scabii , a mites infected by direct contact with skin of a infected person. Common source is children in school or playground.

Treatment: Permethrine 5% lotion. (Please consult your doctor)

References

1. Americal Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/scabies#overview

2. CDC.  https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/index.html