AIDS scare hits Bengkulu

BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Although Bengkulu has yet to report its first AIDS or HIV-positive case, health authorities here say the dreaded disease and virus may already be present in the province.

Bachtiar Karatu, the chief of the Bengkulu office of the Ministry of Health, said that an active night life and greater access to the province makes the danger of AIDS a real one.

"We don't know for sure but it is very likely that AIDS is here," Bachtiar said as reported by Antara.

He said that some 300 prostitutes aged between 14 and 35 are working in Pulau Baai port, serving visiting sailors who could be carrying the virus. (emb)