Malaria causes deaths in Irian

Malaria causes deaths in Irian

WAMENA, Irian Jaya: Jayawijaya Regent J.B. Wenas said Tuesday
that the recent deaths of 31 people in Lolat, Weawen and
Kabianggama villages in Jayawijaya regency were caused by
cerebral malaria, and not by meningitis as reported earlier by a
missionary.

Antara quoted Wenas as saying in Wamena that blood tests had
shown that many of the villagers had been suffering from cerebral
malaria which affected their brains.

Two doctors arrived in the mountainous area, 2,000 meters
above sea level, last week and evacuated five villagers to Wamena
for more intensive treatment.

Missionary Carol, 37, reported earlier that meningitis had
allegedly killed 31 people since August.

Head of state-owned Wamena hospital Siwi Murniati acknowledged
that malaria-carrying mosquitoes were unable to survive in the
mountains.

"People from coastal areas might have brought the disease to
the remote areas," Siwi said. She said malnutrition had worsened
victims' condition. (prb)