Gov`t Rebuffs False Reporting of Anthrax Cases in Yogyakarta

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Health Ministry spokesman Oscar Primadi said that investigation is underway into anthrax cases among humans in Kulon Progo.

“Dr. Sardjito Hospital Yogyakarta is still conducting more detailed tests to find out whether anthrax bacteria were found in the victim who died on January 6 that would require verification from the Health R&D lab,” Oscar said in a written statement received by Tempo on Sunday, January 22, 2017.

He has dismissed the reports doing rounds on social media that 15 people in Kulon Progo were admitted to Sardjito Hospital for anthrax. “It was false. Dr. Srdjoto Hospital only treated one patient with suspected anthrax. There is no need to worry because the hospital is safe to visit and get treatment,” he said.

Kulon Progo Health Office, he said, had earlier launched an investigation together with the Animal Husbandry Office, the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) of the Gadjah Mada University’s (UGM) Department of Medicine, the Health R&D Department’s INA-RESPOND, Wates Veterinarian Center and dr. Sardjito Hospital.

The outcome will be verified by the Health Ministry, he said. The team had confirmed that it had found no further cases of anthrax among humans. Kulon Progo Health Office can still handle the case in the area.

Oscar has reassured Kulon Progo residents there is no need to worry about consuming meat, provided that they buy certified meat, cook them well in a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius for 5-10 minutes and continue to adopt clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS).

ANTARA