Central Java regencies prone to malaria

SEMARANG: Central Java Governor Mardiyanto warned on Tuesday residents in nine of the 35 regencies in the province of possible malaria outbreaks.

The malaria-prone regencies are Kebumen, Pekalongan, Banjarnegara, Pemalang, Cilacap, Jepara, Wonosobo, Magelang and Purworejo.

"Although victims have yet to contract malaria, we are asking health officials in these regencies to anticipate the disease to help prevent it from spilling over into other areas," Mardiyanto said.

He said the movement of people from place to place could boost the spread of the disease.

"Those who contract malaria should see a doctor or go to the hospital as soon as possible," he added.