Babies die due to 'salmonella' sweep

BANYUWANGI, East Java: The salmonella virus is blamed for the deaths of seven newborns last week in the Blambangan district, a director of a hospital treating the babies said.

Solichin of the Blambangan General Hospital said the virus was identified from blood tests conducted on the victims.

The virus is mainly associated with, among other things, various types of food poisoning and acute gastrointestinal inflammation.

The babies, ranging from one day to seven days old, died in the hospital's baby care room.

Solichin acknowledged that the room was not in good condition as its location was near a trash bin.

"Therefore we will repair all hospital facilities and sterilize the babies' room," he said. (edt)