TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of Jakarta’s Health Agency Koesmadi Priharto revealed that there are 22 people under the age of 10 that were infected with Diphtheria in Jakarta so far in 2017.

“It generally infects children. Some of the [victims] were vaccinated and some were not. We’re still investigating it,” said Koesmadi today on Wednesday,
December 6.

According to Koesmadi, all of the infected children have been treated and are recovering. Diphtheria comes from the Corynebacterium diphtheria bacteria which can be passed through the air.

One way to avoid the plague is through early baby vaccination, which is then strengthened by a booster injection when the child is two years old.

Koesmadi already ordered every health care center in Jakarta to avoid further spread of Diphtheria. He also ordered health workers to investigate where the disease originated.

Regions located in the borders of Jakarta such as Tangerang has officially issued a diphtheria alert since October 31. The Diphtheria disease that attacks the nose’s mucous membrane and throat have killed four children at the age of 4 to 6 years old in Tangerang and forced dozens of others to be medically treated.

FRISKI RIANA