More AIDS cases reported

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: As many as 21 people have reportedly developed AIDS in Indonesia's eastern most province, Irian Jaya, while 79 others have been infected with the HIV that leads to AIDS.

Antara reported most of the people with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are Thai nationals working for fishing companies in Irian Jaya.

The number of people with AIDS/HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) was now 69, said provincial health office spokesperson Gunawan, M.D. here Saturday.

The AIDS and HIV cases were mostly found in Jayapura, the capital of Irian Jaya, and the districts of Merauke, Fakfak and Yapen Waropen.

Irian Jaya has the second highest number of people with AIDS and HIV, after Jakarta with 463 AIDS/HIV cases per October 1996 figures. (swe)