Search

Bird flu kills young boy in hardest-hit Indonesia

By ZAKKI HAKIM,Associated Press Writer AP - Thursday, May 1

JAKARTA, Indonesia - A 3-year-old boy died from bird flu in Indonesia, seen by experts as a potential hotspot for a pandemic that one day could kill millions of people, the Health Ministry said Wednesday.

The toddler's death in Central Java province boosted the country's human toll to 108, accounting for nearly half of the 240 recorded fatalities worldwide.

He first showed flu-like symptoms _ high fever and breathing difficulties _ on April 17 and died in the hospital five days later, said ministry spokeswoman Lily Sulistyowati, adding that the child had "a history of contact with dead poultry."

Two laboratory tests showed that he had been infected by the feared H5N1 virus.

Indonesia has regularly recorded human deaths from bird flu since the virus began ravaging poultry stocks across Asia in 2003. So far most human cases have been linked to contact with infected birds, but experts worry the virus could mutate into a more dangerous form that passes easily between humans.

Because of its high density of chickens and people and its poor medical facilities, Indonesia is seen as a likely place for that to happen. The government has been accused of doing too little too late to stamp out the virus, which is now endemic in all but two of the country's 33 provinces.

Preparing for the worst, thousands of people took part in a massive three-day influenza pandemic drill on Bali island over the weekend.

The simulation started with dozens of residents becoming infected with bird flu. Police isolated the village, shut schools, and quarantined people inside their homes. Travelers suspected of passing through the area were barred from leaving the international airport.

"We wanted to show the world that we are prepared, that we are ready to contain and stop this virus in the event of a pandemic," said Nyoman Kandun, a senior health ministry official.

Recommend this article

Average (0 votes)
0 stars
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »

Related Articles: Indonesia

Related Articles: Asia Pacific