No outbreak yet of new virus

Fri, 05/09/2008 9:37 AM  |  National

JAKARTA: Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari said Thursday enterovirus 71 or EV71 currently spreading in China had not yet posed a serious threat to Indonesia.

The virus, which causes hand, foot and mouth disease, is suspected to have entered the country, but this information could not be verified yet, Siti said.

"I haven't received any reports of EV-71 cases, so I assume there's no such infection here," she said.

She added there were three patients currently being treated at the Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital for suspected infection of the virus. However, they are still undergoing tests.

The symptoms of the disease include fever, mouth sores and rashes with blisters. The outbreak in China has reached a reported 11,900 cases as of Monday.

Siti said the government had so far conducted preventive measures by emphasizing hygiene in its public service messages. -- JP

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