Hundreds ill during exodus

Hundreds ill during exodus

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: A total of 444 passengers of ferries crossing through the Bakauheni port, South Lampung, from Java to Sumatra or vice versa, during the recent Idul Fitri exodus suffered from various ailments and sought medical help at the port's clinic.

The Antara news agency reported that during last year's exodus, only 200 people sought medical attention at the clinic.

The jostling and shoving of people upon embarking and disembarking caused a seven-month pregnant woman to go into labor prematurely.

The mother was a passenger of KMP Rajabasa on her way from Jakarta to Palembang. She gave birth at the clinic shortly after disembarking here; both she and the baby were doing well.

According to Dr. Evi Meutia, most of the health complaints were not serious but did need immediate attention. Among the ailments were motion sickness, flu, headache, stress, fatigue, fainting spells and cramps.

Most of the passengers were able to continue their trips afterward. Only 15 needed further care in the nearby hospital. (swe)