Malaria, other ailments hit Irian Jaya

Malaria, other ailments hit Irian Jaya

MANOKWARI, Papua: Head of the local health ministry office Ria M. Come said here on Wednesday that dozens of Ransiki subdistrict residents in Manokwari regency, Papua had been affected by malaria and respiratory diseases.

Ria said to prevent the outbreak from spreading, the office had dispatched paramedics to some 30 badly hit areas. She, however, regretted that some medical teams could not reach so some remote areas owing to the lack of transportation and poor accessibility.

The official said children had been worst hit by the epidemic, caused by poor living conditions. She added that only seriously affected residents were being taken to the hospital.-Antara