MyMedR

Dengue virus infection--the Malaysian experience

George R, Lam SK

Ann Acad Med Singap, 1997 Nov;26(6):815-9.

Since dengue was first documented in Malaysia in 1902 and made notifiable in 1973, the disease pattern has changed from major outbreaks every four years to one of increasing trend yearly. The largest outbreak was seen in 1996 with 14,255 dengue cases reported and 32 deaths. The case fatality rate varied from a high of 10.43% in 1985 when dengue type 3 was the predominant type to a low of 1.29% when dengue type 1 predominated. Severe disease patterns have been observed with dengue 2 and 3 serotypes in the country. The clinical spectrum has also been changing and multisystem involvement with more severe manifestations are being seen. Liver involvement has been documented since 1987. Fulminant hepatitis with encephalopathy can resemble Reye's syndrome. Dengue type 3 has been isolated from liver biopsy specimens. Neurological manifestations can very from irritability, convulsions, coma to peripheral neuritis. The isolation of dengue viruses from cerebrospinal fluids recently strongly suggests that dengue viruses can be neurovirulent. Adult respiratory distress syndrome was seen in three children admitted with shock. Deaths were more frequent in children in the early period but since 1982, over 50% of deaths have occurred in patients over the age of 15 years.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Fulltext Cancer--a major health problem in Malaysia

Lim A

Med J Malaysia, 1991 Jun;46(2):114-5.

PMID: 1839413

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Fulltext Post-operative surgical wound infection

Abu Hanifah Y

Med J Malaysia, 1990 Dec;45(4):293-7.

PMID: 2152049

The occurrence of post-operative wound infection was studied respectively over an eight month period in the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. One hundred and seventy four (3.4%) surgical wounds out of 5129 operations became infected. The clean wound infection rate was 2.9%, rising to 5.4% and 12.2% for clean-contaminated and contaminated surgical wounds respectively. Of the wound infections, 80.8% occurred within the first two weeks post-operatively. Bacteriological studies revealed that the commonest bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (36.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.4%) and Klebsiella species (10.1%).

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Fulltext The man with sweaty palms and soles

Jamani NA, Puteri Shanaz JK, Azwanis AH

Malays Fam Physician, 2018;13(1):52-54.

PMID: 29796213 MyJurnal

A 21-year-old male college student presented with excessive severe bilateral sweating of his palms and
soles for the past 3 years, which has progressively worsened. His symptoms occur throughout the day
but worsened during exams or whenever he felt anxious. The condition has caused him difficulty in
holding objects and writing assignments, and has resulted in public embarrassment on several occasions.
He has to wipe his hands with a handkerchief each time they sweat. He also needs to change his socks
frequently. No other area of his body is similarly affected. He denied any associated symptoms, such as
pungent body odour, changes in weight, fever, heat intolerance, or changes in bowel habits. He has no
known medical illness and is not on any medication. (Copied from article).

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology

Fulltext Sri Petaling COVID-19 cluster in Malaysia: challenges and the mitigation strategies

Safuan S, Edinur HA

Acta Biomed, 2020 11 10;91(4):e2020154.

PMID: 33525245 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i4.10345

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Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

True Median Cleft Lip-15 Years of Review and Prevalence

Hamzan MI, Sulaiman WAW

Cleft Palate Craniofac J, 2020 08;57(8):1051-1054.

PMID: 32476501 DOI: 10.1177/1055665620926346

OBJECTIVES: The author presents 4 cases and attempts to analyze the prevalence of true median cleft lip (MCL) in one center. Embryology, associated anomalies, and surgical treatment are discussed.

DESIGN: A retrospective descriptive study.

SETTING: Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.

PARTICIPANTS: All patients with congenital facial cleft deformities from 2005 to 2019 were retrieved from the Plastic Surgery OR Registry. All characteristics in interest were individually tabulated and evaluated. Four cases were reviewed and discussed.

OUTCOME: Prevalence of true MCL.

RESULTS: Out of the 494 patients included in the study, only 4 (0.81%) were affected with a median cleft, and the prevalence of true median cleft was hence determined to be 3 (0.61%) among the cleft population.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the true MCL is rare which makes it hard to categorize these clefts, and the surgical protocol needs to be established for the definitive treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Fulltext Phenotypic and genotypic identification of hard ticks of the genus Haemaphysalis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Peninsular Malaysia

Ernieenor FCL, Ernna G, Mariana A

Exp Appl Acarol, 2017 Apr;71(4):387-400.

PMID: 28409404 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0120-3

Morphotaxonomy based on phenotypic traits of immature hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) is a skill challenge and has prompted many inexperienced acarologists to adopt DNA-based methods for identifying and discriminating the species. The aim of this study is therefore to utilize COI gene for verifying the morphological status of Haemaphysalis ticks in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 19 on-host ticks collected from four localities were first identified using specific illustrated taxonomic keys that lead to the genus of Haemaphysalis. Genotypic traits of tick species were then verified molecularly based on cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene using polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Clustering analysis was carried out by constructing a phylogenetic tree to determine the genetic variation and diversity of local Haemaphysalis ticks. Based on external morphological characterizations, all immature ticks were successfully identified down to the genus level only. Molecular analysis of the genotypic using COI gene revealed 16 individuals (84%) as Haemaphysalis hystricis, and three individuals as H. humerosa with sequence homology of 97-99 and 86-87%, respectively. Haemaphysalis hystricis were clustered in their respective monophyletic group in the phylogeny trees with a bootstrap of 100%. Furthermore, a low intraspecific variation (<0.3%) was observed among Malaysian H. hystricis but high interspecific value (>15%) recorded. This study morphologically and molecularly confirms the presence of H. hystricis in Malaysia and the findings will add value to the existing knowledge in identification of ticks in this country.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Fulltext Tracking the early depleting transmission dynamics of COVID-19 with a time-varying SIR model

Law KB, Peariasamy KM, Gill BS, Singh S, Sundram BM, Rajendran K, et al.

Sci Rep, 2020 12 10;10(1):21721.

PMID: 33303925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78739-8

The susceptible-infectious-removed (SIR) model offers the simplest framework to study transmission dynamics of COVID-19, however, it does not factor in its early depleting trend observed during a lockdown. We modified the SIR model to specifically simulate the early depleting transmission dynamics of COVID-19 to better predict its temporal trend in Malaysia. The classical SIR model was fitted to observed total (I total), active (I) and removed (R) cases of COVID-19 before lockdown to estimate the basic reproduction number. Next, the model was modified with a partial time-varying force of infection, given by a proportionally depleting transmission coefficient, [Formula: see text] and a fractional term, z. The modified SIR model was then fitted to observed data over 6 weeks during the lockdown. Model fitting and projection were validated using the mean absolute percent error (MAPE). The transmission dynamics of COVID-19 was interrupted immediately by the lockdown. The modified SIR model projected the depleting temporal trends with lowest MAPE for I total, followed by I, I daily and R. During lockdown, the dynamics of COVID-19 depleted at a rate of 4.7% each day with a decreased capacity of 40%. For 7-day and 14-day projections, the modified SIR model accurately predicted I total, I and R. The depleting transmission dynamics for COVID-19 during lockdown can be accurately captured by time-varying SIR model. Projection generated based on observed data is useful for future planning and control of COVID-19.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Gumma of the ciliary body [duplicate2]

Highet HC

Journal of the Malaya Branch of the British Medical Association, 1903.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology

Two uncommon cases of yaws

Devota TJ

Malayan Medical Journal, 1926;1:28.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology

Fulltext Mitigation of COVID-19 clusters in Malaysia

Danial M, Arulappen AL, Ch'ng ASH, Looi I

J Glob Health, 2020 Dec;10(2):0203105.

PMID: 33403108 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.0203105

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Fulltext Letter from Malaysia

Sirol Aflah SS, Mohd Thabit AA, Chidambaram SK

Respirology, 2021 06;26(6):624-626.

PMID: 33843115 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14057

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

The First Report on Incidence of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Sabah, Borneo

Wong EHC, Tan HY, Dompok TM, Mohamad Ishak LA, Loong SP

ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec, 2021 06 18;83(4):258-262.

PMID: 34148048 DOI: 10.1159/000516597

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the fourth common cancer in Malaysia. A few studies have looked into the incidence of NPC in Malaysia in general, but there has been no published data on its incidence in Sabah specifically, where NPC is very common among the population. The aim of this study is to present the first report on the incidence of NPC in the state of Sabah, Borneo.

METHODS: Data of all patients diagnosed with NPC over a 5-year period from January 2015 to December 2019 inclusive were collected from the NPC registry of 3 main hospitals in Sabah. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) for different genders, ethnicities, and districts of origin were calculated.

RESULTS: 215 NPC patients were identified with a mean age at diagnosis of 49 (range 9-82). The ASR of NPC was 7.9/100,000 where the average age-adjusted male-to-female ratio was 2.4. The highest ASR was found in Dusun ethnicity in both male (3.19/100,000) and female (1.69/100,000) individuals, followed by Chinese (both genders), and Kadazan (for male individuals) and Bajau (for female individuals). The highest ASR was found in patients originating from Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Keningau, and Tawau.

CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the incidence of NPC in Sabah, Borneo. The data suggest high ASRs among the population, especially in male Dusun and Chinese ethnic groups. Further research looking into NPC in this state, especially on risk factors and ways to improve diagnosis and prevention among the population, is recommended.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Fulltext Perception of the Movement Control Order during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study in Malaysia

Tay YL, Abdullah Z, Chelladorai K, Low LL, Tong SF

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 08 20;18(16).

PMID: 34444527 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168778

Malaysia implemented its first Movement Control Order (MCO) during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to slow the transmission of the virus. This study aimed to explore the public perception of the MCO implementation and people's experiences during this period. The study employed qualitative explorative in-depth interviews conducted with 23 Malaysian adults from various demographic backgrounds. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 12. Three main themes were identified: a period of information surge, heterogeneous emotional response, and attempts to adapt. During the MCO, the participants obtained information from multiple platforms. They suggested the need for clear and repeated instructions to avoid confusion and misinformation. They also acknowledged the importance of the MCO in breaking the chain of transmission and safeguarding high-risk groups; however, they also expressed that stricter enforcement from the authorities was warranted. The changes in the participants' work-life routines, lack of physical interaction, and uncertainty about their health and the economy due to the MCO negatively impacted their psychological states. Despite these challenges, the participants attempted to adapt to life under the MCO in different ways. The findings imply that during a crisis, the public tends to seek clear and reliable information, experience emotional turmoil, and adapt to changes. The MCO implementation can be improved through an effective communication strategy and efforts to battle misinformation.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

Fulltext Influence of Population Density for COVID-19 Spread in Malaysia: An Ecological Study

Ganasegeran K, Jamil MFA, Ch'ng ASH, Looi I, Peariasamy KM

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Sep 18;18(18).

PMID: 34574790 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189866

The rapid transmission of highly contagious infectious diseases within communities can yield potential hotspots or clusters across geographies. For COVID-19, the impact of population density on transmission models demonstrates mixed findings. This study aims to determine the correlations between population density, clusters, and COVID-19 incidence across districts and regions in Malaysia. This countrywide ecological study was conducted between 22 January 2021 and 4 February 2021 involving 51,476 active COVID-19 cases during Malaysia's third wave of the pandemic, prior to the reimplementation of lockdowns. Population data from multiple sources was aggregated and spatial analytics were performed to visualize distributional choropleths of COVID-19 cases in relation to population density. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to synthesize dendrograms to demarcate potential clusters against population density. Region-wise correlations and simple linear regression models were deduced to observe the strength of the correlations and the propagation effects of COVID-19 infections relative to population density. Distributional heats in choropleths and cluster analysis showed that districts with a high number of inhabitants and a high population density had a greater number of cases in proportion to the population in that area. The Central region had the strongest correlation between COVID-19 cases and population density (r = 0.912; 95% CI 0.911, 0.913; p < 0.001). The propagation effect and the spread of disease was greater in urbanized districts or cities. Population density is an important factor for the spread of COVID-19 in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

A nutritional survey of the Federated Malay States. IV. Food values of common articles of diet for Malays and Tamils, etc, in Malaya

Fasal P

Bull Inst Med Res Kuala Lumpur, 1941.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology

A case of congenital hyperkeratosis

Rule EK

Malayan Medical Journal, 1932;7:60-1.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology

A case of post-vaccinal encephalitis

Portelly J

Malayan Medical Journal, 1932;7:63.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology

A case of hydrocephalus in a Malay kampong

Bernard SM

Malayan Medical Journal, 1933;8:121-2.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology

Fulltext Promoting Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Hybrid, Innovative Approach in Malaysia

Mat Ruzlin AN, Chen XW, Yunus RM, Samsudin EZ, Selamat MI, Ismail Z

Front Public Health, 2021;9:747953.

PMID: 34692630 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.747953

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had monumental effects on the mental health of populations worldwide. Previous research indicated that programs and interventions using social networks can play a positive role in promoting mental health. Nevertheless, current evidence is largely derived from high-income regions, reflecting an urgent need for more studies in low- and middle-income settings. Objectives: This paper aims to (a) describe the potential value of a hybrid health carnival in promoting mental health and increasing access to screening services; (b) assess the level of community engagement with the digital platform. Methods: A mental health carnival was conducted with the theme of "Mind Your Mental Health" (Cakna Kesihatan Mental) in conjunction with the World Mental Health Day in Malaysia. This was a hybrid carnival that combined elements of face-to-face interactions and virtual learning. Free online therapy sessions were offered to high-risk groups identified during the screening process. Social media metrics were utilized to report the levels of community engagement and participants completed pre-and post-assessments to measure the program's impact on their knowledge. Results: The carnival was attended by 515 participants (78.8% virtual participants). Social media metrics reported more than 5,585 reaches on Facebook for all the activities held throughout the event. Results from pre-and post-assessments showed significant improvement in the mean knowledge scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This digital approach will continue to evolve by releasing new features and tools as a new frontier for high-risk populations and all individuals seeking mental health support and treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/epidemiology

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