17 patients assumed to have Bird Flu in isolation in Makassar

Thursday, 13 November 2008 1

MAKASSAR, THURSDAY - As many as 17 patients' suspect 'bird flu (Avian Influenza / AI) is now treated in isolation rooms Regional Hospital Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar, Sulawesi Utara (North Sulawesi). (Should be South Sulawesi, ed)

"They were taken to the hospital because of this experience fever with body temperature higher, and in the vicinity of his home found dozens of dead chickens rot with a bluish body," said a nurse at the hospital ruanga isolation Wahidin, Fatimah, Thursday.

The Seventeen patients are from RT 5 RW 2 Neighborhood Sudiang, Biringkanaya Sub-District, Makassar. They receive intensive services from 20 medical experts.

As many as six of the 17 patients treated at the hospital Wahidin, are children with the age of three months to 10 years, respectively Salman, 5, Nurul Awaliah, 3, Nur Fadilah, 4 months (with) and the neighboring Saleha, 10, Irwan, 8, Ibn Fauzi, who is 3 months younger sister.

About the bird flu disease which citizens Biringkanaya, Head of Medical Affairs at once Relation Team Special Bird Flu Hospital Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Star Kurnia said the government has been taking blood samples, perform rapid influenza test and take photos toraks for further examination.

"From the results of the examination while in the laboratory, six patients experienced a type of influenza A disease that leads to the AI and three more from the results of the photo shows the torax to bronchopneumonia, which also have the opportunity to the AI," she said.

About the chickens were found dead on the patient around the house, the head of the Office of Makassar Health Naisyah Tun Asikin said based on the results of Health Office of Makassar on the sample of dead chickens known chickens are positive to have the H5N1 virus.

"To anticipate the spread of bird flu patients around the house, officials of the Health Office in Makassar have to destroy tens of fowl in the region RT 5 RW 2 Neighborhood Sudiang," he said.

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