Measles outbreak hits C. Java

SEMARANG, Central Java: Eleven children have died of measles and hundreds more are suffering from the contagious disease in nine regencies across the province, Central Java health chief Sudibyo Juwono said on Tuesday.

The regencies are Kendal, Wonogiri, Magelang, Tegal, Temanggung, Banyumas, Purbalingga and Pekalongan.

"It started in April and may reach its peak in August, which is when seasons change," Sudibyo said, adding it also was the time when children's immunity was likely to decline, especially for undernourished kids.

Symptoms include high fever, cough, cold and a red rash on the skin. (har/edt)