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.
Pregnant women produce antibodies to protect their foetuses.
Even so, a pregnant woman suspected of having an enteroviral infection should be closely managed by her doctor. Like all children, new-borns are vulnerable. Humanity has survived many epidemics of all kinds of illnesses. Each outbreak teaches us something new about ourselves and our environment. The experience in Sarawak will lead us to more refined medical technology, sanitation, basic hygiene, public health and prepare us for the next battle.