This is a Latin word meaning inflammation of the heart muscle. This can trigger a variety of disruptions to the heart's operations. Myocarditis may progress to heart failure over months or years. The outbreak in Sarawak has presented an unusual scenario - this strain seems to be highly aggressive. Instead of taking months or years to cause heart failure, this one is taking just a few days.
Doctors also watch for disturbance of the rhythm of the heartbeat.
The heart has its own electrical circuit to synchronise its pumps. Myocarditis can bring about circuit failure. This can cause a variety of problems including palpitations, slow heartbeat and, even cardiac arrest. This electrical disturbance can be temporary or permanent and worsen over time. Basically, the virus confuses the body's defence system.