Conflicting news about anthrax

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