CHIKUNGUNYA RIFE IN KOTABARU

Kotabaru, Indonesia, Feb 3 (ANTARA) - The disease caused by the Alphavirus virus and spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, Chikungunya, had attacked a number of areas in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan.

Director of the Kotabaru public hospital dr Nurahman said here Wednesday Chikungunya patients do not always be rushed to a hospital, as the disease is an ordinary ailment.

"Total bed rust would be sufficient, eating and drinking as normally, the disease will go away by itself," he said.

Of the 40 patients who came to his office in Serongga, Kelumpang Hilir, Kotabaru, each day, 20 had Chikungunya.

The disease, he added, had attacked people in Kelumapng Hilir subdistrict, and some other subdistricts north of Kotabaru.

"In the beginning, one's temperature rises, cold feeling and no appetite," a patient in Seikupang Jaya, Kelumpang Selatan, Narso, said.

The civil servant in Seikupang Jaya said almost his entire family were attacked by Chikungunya. "Except my less than five year old, the rest were attacked," he said.

The hospital director said Chikungunya normally attacked in the rainy season, and by mosquitoes.

"However, the disease is not fatal," he said.***