The rotavirus vaccine will be included in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) if the mortality rate due to the disease for children aged five years and below exceeds 10 percent.
Director-general of Health, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the World Health Organisation (WHO) through its Strategic Advisory Group of Experts had recommended that the rotavirus vaccine be included in the NIP if the child mortality rate due to diarrhoea was at 10 percent or more.
"In this country, the child mortality rate in 2014 was 0.5 percent and 2.9 per cent last year. This rate is below the recommended percentage by the WHO," he told Bernama.
As such, Dr Noor Hisham said as part of precautionary measures, the rotavirus vaccine could be obtained at private clinics and hospitals.
Consultant Paediatric at Pantai Hospital, Ampang, Dr R. Thanasegar said it would usually take two days for the symptoms of the disease such as high fever, diarrhea and persistent abdominal pain to occur.
There were five species of rotavirus and the rotavirus A type was a major cause of the disease among children and the first infection could build up immunity to that specific virus.
"Almost every child aged five years and below may have experienced this viral infection which can be detected through tests carried out on stool samples of patients," he said.
Thanasegar said to prevent the virus from spreading, the public should prioritise personal hygiene and the surrounding, especially children's toys and during food preparation.
"There is no specific treatment to kill the virus, but what is important is to ensure that patients have adequate water content in the body to prevent dehydration (through vomiting and severe diarrhea).
"In this country, the Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea which requires children to receive the transfusion of water treatment through their intravenous at hospitals," he added. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Oct 20 2016
Rotavirus causes infection of the stomach and intestines and often strike children under five years-old, with symptoms of diarrhoea and abdominal pain. - Source Wikipedia
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.