Encephalitis can be hazardous<\/p>\n
I refer to the article Threat of Japanese encephalitis
\noutbreak looms in Indonesia which I read with concern in The
\nJakarta Post on April 7, 1999. I am living in Bali and the data
\nreported in your article regarding the presence of this disease
\non the island confirmed some worries I've already had.<\/p>\n
At the end of 1998, a friend foreign of mine contracted
\nencephalitis here and was taken to Denpasar hospital where he was
\ntreated, but with no success. At the end of December he was taken
\nabroad in a last tentative effort to cure him but unfortunately
\nhe died in intensive care only a few days after. During the same
\nperiod while I was visiting him in the hospital, I learned of
\nanother foreigner who was affected by encephalitis and had been
\ntaken abroad. I do not know whether he survived or not. During
\nthe two months that my friend had been in the hospital here, no
\ndoctor shared any knowledge nor ever referred to Japanese
\nencephalitis nor collected information about the possible cause
\nof contagion nor informed me or any other relative of his about
\nthe risks of this illness.<\/p>\n
I have been told by some Balinese that there are unscrupulous
\ntraders in many villages who buy animals, mainly pigs and cattle,
\nwhich have died of illness and then sell them at the markets.
\nThe meat is then bought by members the public who are unaware and
\ntherefore exposed to a potential health hazard. I do not know if
\nthere is any connection between the way Japanese encephalitis is
\nspread or if it's a cause of consuming meat from diseased
\nanimals, but the fact is it's disturbing and it should be
\ninvestigated thoroughly to verify whether it is a true fact or
\nnot.<\/p>\n
The fact that Japanese encephalitis is present in Indonesia
\nand that it could become a serious hazard should be made known to
\nthe public. The proper authorities should inform citizens about
\nhow we can protect ourselves, how the contagion is spread, what
\nthe symptoms are, whether it is possible to be infected by eating
\nuncooked or cooked meat and so on.<\/p>\n
I find it quite unbelievable that meat from dead diseased
\nanimals is sold without inspection at the markets. I have been
\ntold that all meat sold at the market should be checked by a
\nveterinarian. So is it happening or not? The fact that animals
\nwho have died from illnesses are sold at the markets should be
\ninvestigated thoroughly since this could be the source of serious
\nhealth risks or disease.<\/p>\n
I hope that if any experts are reading this letter, they will
\nreply to it, informing the public of the means to protect
\nourselves and our families.<\/p>\n
GIUSEPPE VERDACCHI<\/p>\n
Kuta, Bali<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/encephalitis-can-be-hazardous-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }