Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc., Bethesda, MD. Brought to you by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). Visit NNii's new website at http://www.immunizationinfo.org.

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January 17, 2003

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Diphtheria Outbreak Kills Nine Children"

Jakarta Post (www.thejakartapost.com) (01/16/03)

In the past six months, nine children died after contracting diphtheria in the South Kalimantan regency of Banjar, Indonesia, which is why health officials are recommending people remain inside to protect themselves from infection.  Banjar Health Office head Rosihan Adhani believes the rapid spread of the disease is due to lack of public awareness about the disease, and prevention efforts are being hampered by many residents' insistence on seeing traditional healers instead of doctors.  The DTP vaccine protects infants against the disease, but a booster shot is required for continued protection every 10 years.

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