WHO monitoring Indonesian quake-hit areas for bird flu outbreak
The World Health Organisation has voiced its concern that the bird flu virus may spread in Indonesia's earthquake-hit areas.
The United Nations body says the H5N1 virus is known to be circulating in the Central Java area.
To prevent an outbreak, authorities have stepped up surveillance in the area.
On the ongoing relief efforts, WHO says while the emergency needs of the injured patients have been met, the long term medical needs remain inadequate.
It has been almost a week after the devastating earthquake struck Central Java, and injured victims are still being brought into hospitals.
According to estimates by the World Health Organisation, more than 50,000 people have sought treatment.
But with only 9,000 beds available, crowded hospitals like this one in Bantul, have to treat patients in their lobby area.
The world body says immediate needs of the victims have been met largely, thanks to the help of thousands of local and international medical teams here.
But long-term medical needs of the victims remain a concern especially for the large number of elderly among the injured.
They were not able to flee in time when the disaster struck.
This sector of the population will need care beyond the current emergency period.
And the task looks daunting given the limited medical facilities available.
The WHO has warned that the risk of an infectious disease breaking out does exist mainly due to the lack of proper sanitation and clean water.
To prevent any outbreak, authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.
Georg Petersen, WHO Representative, Indonesia, said: "Well there are bird flu virus, H5N1 virus circulating in poultry all over Indonesia. Also in this area, we are concerned about that. We know that the agencies working on the bird flu issue in the animal sector are intensifying their surveillance in this disaster area and we have also pointed out that is necessary."
Since July last year, 37 out of 50 Indonesians infected with the H5N1 virus have died.
And the virus has been found in two-thirds of Indonesia's provinces, including Central Java. - CNA/ch
The World Health Organisation has voiced its concern that the bird flu virus may spread in Indonesia's earthquake-hit areas.
The United Nations body says the H5N1 virus is known to be circulating in the Central Java area.
To prevent an outbreak, authorities have stepped up surveillance in the area.
On the ongoing relief efforts, WHO says while the emergency needs of the injured patients have been met, the long term medical needs remain inadequate.
It has been almost a week after the devastating earthquake struck Central Java, and injured victims are still being brought into hospitals.
According to estimates by the World Health Organisation, more than 50,000 people have sought treatment.
But with only 9,000 beds available, crowded hospitals like this one in Bantul, have to treat patients in their lobby area.
The world body says immediate needs of the victims have been met largely, thanks to the help of thousands of local and international medical teams here.
But long-term medical needs of the victims remain a concern especially for the large number of elderly among the injured.
They were not able to flee in time when the disaster struck.
This sector of the population will need care beyond the current emergency period.
And the task looks daunting given the limited medical facilities available.
The WHO has warned that the risk of an infectious disease breaking out does exist mainly due to the lack of proper sanitation and clean water.
To prevent any outbreak, authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.
Georg Petersen, WHO Representative, Indonesia, said: "Well there are bird flu virus, H5N1 virus circulating in poultry all over Indonesia. Also in this area, we are concerned about that. We know that the agencies working on the bird flu issue in the animal sector are intensifying their surveillance in this disaster area and we have also pointed out that is necessary."
Since July last year, 37 out of 50 Indonesians infected with the H5N1 virus have died.
And the virus has been found in two-thirds of Indonesia's provinces, including Central Java. - CNA/ch