Hepatitis A hits E. Java villages

Hepatitis A hits E. Java villages

BONDOWOSO, East Java: The head of the provincial health office
confirmed yesterday that a recent outbreak of hepatitis A
affecting more than 600 villagers was the biggest in the region's
history.

Antara quoted Dr. Udin M. Muslaini as saying the outbreak was
caused by poor hygiene and consumption of river water
contaminated with the hepatitis virus.

Eight villages in the Tapen, Wonosari and Sukosari districts
in Bondowoso regency were found on March 25 to have been affected
by hepatitis A. Initial studies found 86 villagers infected, but
the number has since reached 632.

Udin said immediate action was needed to contain the
transmission of the disease, including by placing the sick in
quarantine, improving nutrition, building toilets and the
provision of a clean water supply.

He also urged the local people not to pollute the river
because it was also the source of water for their daily needs.

Another official, Imam Sosialis, said separately that 218
people remained hospitalized. (swe)