RP troops contract malaria in E. Timor

RP troops contract malaria in E. Timor

MANILA (AFP): At least 25 Philippine soldiers who served with the UN peacekeeping force in East Timor returned home last month infected with a new strain of malaria, military officials said on Tuesday.

The 25 were among nearly 100 soldiers who returned to the Philippines in June from East Timor where they were part of the 500-plus member Filipino force under UN command.

The malaria strain is found only in East Timor and it was not clear whether the Philippines has an antidote for it, military officials said.

Military doctors discovered the strain during three days of mandatory testing for the returning soldiers.

It was not clear why the soldiers were not quarantined and allowed to return their families, where they run the risk of spreading the disease, officials said.

"That's why we have already ordered the recall of these soldiers for treatment and we have already coordinated with the department of health on the matter," an official said.

Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado, who has been informed of the situation, said the navy's infectious disease unit has been asked to look into the problem.

"This is a matter of public health. I don't think there's reason to be alarmed, but maybe the department of health doctors could better diagnose the disease," Mercado said.