Thais with HIV told to go home

Thais with HIV told to go home

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Fak Fak Regent Suparlan Pasambuna has
demanded a local fish-canning company send home 15 reportedly
HIV-positive Thai fishermen in its employment.

The Antara news agency quoted Suparlan as saying yesterday
that he has reported the discovery of people with Human
Immunodeficiency Virus to the governor and that relevant
authorities are working to deport the fishermen.

He said his office has forbidden the Thai fishermen from
disembarking at ports in the regency for fear that they might
spread the disease. The Thais are currently employed by PT Istana
Samudera, a subsidiary of the PT Bouraq airline company.

"No way would we let them spread the virus in Irian Jaya,"
Suparlan said.

The number of Irian Jaya people who have tested HIV positive
is currently 95, seven of whom have developed full-blown Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome, the fatal disease caused by HIV.
(swe)