ASIA/INDONESIA - After Java another case of polio registered in Sumatra

Tuesday, 5 July 2005

Rome (Fides Service) - A polio test on a child on the Indonesian island of Sumatra has been confirmed positive. This is the first case registered outside the larger island of Java since a new outbreak of the disease was registered in May this year.
This new case brings the total number of children with polio to 66 after a period of ten years in which no cases were registered. An Indonesian health ministry official said the government is extending its vaccination campaign to include 24 million children. Between May and June 6.5 million were vaccinated.
Polio usually affects children. It attacks the nervous system causing parayisis and at times death because it restricts breathing. (AP) (5/7/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:13; Parole:126)


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