Conflicting news about anthrax

The Bogor Veterinary Research Institute and the local health agency gave conflicting statements Thursday regarding the outbreak of anthrax in the regency.

Head of the institute, Darminto, said he had not finished testing the blood of the eight patients infected by anthrax because he only received the samples on Thursday morning.

But head of the health agency Djono K. Kardjoeki said he sent the samples to the institute last week after the outbreak in the subdistrict Babakan Madang.

Darminto said cattle in the regency were regularly vaccinated against anthrax.

"I don't know why the disease strikes here," he said.

Djono said he did not know if the patients were infected with tainted goat meat or because of spores.

He said people in the area had been warned to immediately contact the community health center if they experienced symptoms of the disease.

Out of the eight patients who had been infected by the disease, one has recovered.

Experts said penicillin could cure humans and cattle infected with anthrax in the early stages. --JP