Malaria common at Tanjung Lesung

Malaria common at Tanjung Lesung

Over the last few months my family and I have visited Tanjung
Lesung on the Sunda Straits three times. The tranquility and
natural beauty of this area, less than three hours drive from
Jakarta, is truly remarkable. Unfortunately, on the last
occasion, both my wife and myself contracted malaria.

The fact that both my wife and myself caught malaria is,
perhaps, an indication that the incidence of the disease at
Tanjung Lesung is very high. Indeed, subsequently it has been
confirmed to me that a number of local people, including staff
members at the Tanjung Lesung Cottage Hotel, have died from
malaria. It has also come to my attention that guests at the
hotel have suffered from the disease and that in at least one
case death resulted.

Farsi parum is the variety of malaria endemic to Tanjung
Lesung. It can be effectively treated in hospital with quinine
and antibiotics; but should not be under-estimated as it is a
dangerous and debilitating disease.

Because of the high incidence of malaria at Tanjung Lesung one
would think that it is incumbent upon the government, health
insurance companies and Tanjung Lesung Cottage Hotel to inform
the public of the risk. The hotel and the Tanjung Lesung Sailing
Club should act responsibly and, at the very least, advise all
guests to take prophylactics before and after their visit. They
could spray insecticide over a wide area to reduce the mosquito
population and thereby lessen the risk of the disease to locals
and guests alike.

FRANK RICHARDSON

Jakarta