9 People Fall Victim to Rabies in Nias

Medan - By Monday (5/4) rabies in Nias Island has claimed 9 victims. But the authorities said the disease is under control, especially after antirabies serum aids from non-government organizations have been distributed and used to vaccinated bite victims.
But 600 million rupiahs from the government of Nias district, which is allocated for antirabies serum, has yet been used because the government needs an outbreak decree from the regent, which until yesterday has not been issued.

Director of Gunungsitoli Regional Hospital, Yulianus Mendrofa, said before Easter day 329 bite victims had already come to the hospital and received their first dose of antirabies serum. Meanwhile, 9 fatalities had been reported.
“In general, we can rule-out bite victims, but vaccine distribution is still in process,” said Yulianus. Cases coming to the hospital have at least been handled, but new cases in rural areas could still emerge.
Among vaccine aids given, the ones that have been distributed were from Delasiga Foundation. The Health Office of North Sumatra Province said there is also aid from WHO but Gunungsitoli Regional Hospital said it has not been recorded so far.
“We are still waiting for the funds to buy antirabies serum to come down. We had recommended the region to directly assign the purchase since it is an outbreak situation. But until now the regent has not made an official decision regarding the outbreak status of rabies in Nias,” said Yulianus.
Yulianus said the hospital is very cautious on buying supplies in compliance to the regulation. “We want to avoid possible legal issues that could arise in the future if we rush in buying the serums now,” he said.
Head of the Health Office of Gunungsitoli city, Temaziduhu Lombu, said that in general rabies is under control. Bite victims recorded in hospitals and community health centers have been vaccinated. (WSI)
Sumber : Kompas