In an outbreak, the chances of infection with illness rise mainly because the organism is especially potent. In Sarawak, doctors have treated some 4,000 people suspected of having the virus, in the form of hand, foot and mouth disease. This may be just the tip of the iceberg. More people may be infected but are not showing any symptoms. This group of people is capable of transporting the virus over long distances not realising that they ar e infecting others along the way.
Enteroviral myocarditis is a relatively benign condition in adults.
In some adults, this may have no long-term effect. In others, it can bring about serious heart problems such as abnormal heartbeat or even heart failure later in life. These can be weapons in an outbreak. Closing daycare centres and nursery schools was the right move. Young children should be taught hand-washing and toilet hygiene.