Chicken pox hits Central Java

SEMARANG, Central Java: An outbreak of chicken pox has infected hundreds of children and teenagers in two districts, Bulu and Parakan, in Temanggung regency.

The head of the local health ministry's office, M. Said Makudi, said yesterday there were no exact records but admitted that it was affecting a wide region.

"We do not have a figure yet because we are still investigating the cause of the outbreak in the area," he said.

However, he suspected that poor sanitary conditions may be the cause of the outbreak.

"The local officials are ready to mobilize medical personnel to treat the victims," he said. (har/09)