Southern Java prone to rabies

Southern Java prone to rabies

CILACAP, Central Java: The local health office has warned that the regencies of Cilacap, Ciamis, Banjarpatoman, Majenang, Pangandaran and Kampunglaut as currently susceptible to rabies.

Head of the office Sumali told The Jakarta Post yesterday that three farmers from Cilacap were presently being treated at a local hospital after being bitten by a rabies-infected dog.

Thirty doctors have been sent in to give anti-rabies shots to pets and stray dogs alike in all six towns, which are located in the south part of Central and West Java.

Sumali said stray dogs often entered villages and scavenged through leftovers after people had held parties. He said many sidewalk shops, or foodstalls selling stray-dog meat, also contributed to the spread of the disease in Cilacap. (wah)