Two AIDS sufferers die in Merauke

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Two residents of Merauke known to have contracted AIDS died early this month, the head of the provincial office of the health ministry said here yesterday.

Slamet Hardjosuwarno said one of the deceased was a prostitute, who contracted the deadly disease in 1992, while the other was an employee of a private company based in Merauke, Antara reported.

He said data at his office show that at present in Merauke there are 61 others suffering from the incurable decease.

"Fifty of them are Thai fishermen who work for several fishing companies in the Merauke regency," Slamet said.

The rest are Irian Jaya people, three living in Jayapura regency, one in Jayawijaya, one in Yapen Waropen, and the others live in Merauke. (bas)