DECEMBER 7, 2017
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian health authorities will launch an immunization drive next week to contain a sharp rise in cases of diphtheria, which has killed at least 32 people, including many children, in the worlds fourth most populous country this year.
The health ministry said at least 591 cases had been reported since January, a 42 percent increase from last year, and called the outbreak an extraordinary event.
We have seen an acceleration in cases compared to last year ... We are implementing an immunization program to prevent a pandemic, said Dr Mohamad Subuh, director general of disease prevention and control, at the ministry.
The ministry recorded 415 cases and 24 deaths last year.
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian health authorities will launch an immunization drive next week to contain a sharp rise in cases of diphtheria, which has killed at least 32 people, including many children, in the worlds fourth most populous country this year.
The health ministry said at least 591 cases had been reported since January, a 42 percent increase from last year, and called the outbreak an extraordinary event.
We have seen an acceleration in cases compared to last year ... We are implementing an immunization program to prevent a pandemic, said Dr Mohamad Subuh, director general of disease prevention and control, at the ministry.
The ministry recorded 415 cases and 24 deaths last year.