(JP/Ricky Yudhistira)

Two health workers donning protection masks and suits carry a soldier on a stretcher during an avian influenza pandemic simulation at an army complex in Tanah Tinggi, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday.

The simulation was held by the National Committee for Avian Influenza Control and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (Komnas FBPI) to prepare for the worst case scenario of an avian influenza virus outbreak.

Komnas FBPI conducted the simulation in cooperation with the Army, Indonesian Military health directorate and the city administration.

Between the first human infection case in Indonesia in 2005 and September this year, Komnas FBPI listed 137 cases of avian influenza in Indonesia, with 112 casualties.

In Jakarta, there have been 32 cases, with 28 casualties.

In 2008, there were 18 casualties, a 50 percent drop compared to 37 casualties last year.

The simulation was held at an army complex because the army would be on the front line if ever a serious pandemic occurred, said Komnas FBPI Communication Officer, Andika Aji Pambudi.

The three-hour simulation created an event where a soldier suffered from a serious illness and a high fever, and he was immediately taken to Gatot Subroto Hospital. 

Under the simulation, a few more soldiers fell ill in just a few days. After a preliminary investigation by the city health agency, it was concluded that all of them were infected with the avian influenza string virus (H5N1).

The World Health Organization estimates that a avian influenza pandemic could infect at least 71 million people worldwide. (JP/hdt)

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