English
Indonesia
Residents Living Near Babi (Pig) Island Anxious
Batam - Residents living near Bulan (Moon) Island, which also known as Babi (Pig) Island, are anxious. They are worried they could contract influenza A H1N1 viruses. “Currently people are worried they could be infected with swine influenza because the distance between islands is close,” said Head of Bulang subdistrict, Batam city, Rulsan, in Batam, Monday. Bulan Island or Babi Island is rented by Batam Authorities to investors to be made into a swine farming center. Pigs produced are exported to Singapore.
Bulan Island has no residents, but there are many small islands surrounding it that has residents. Head of Bulan subdistrict said several residents living around Bulan Island are suffering from fever. “We don’t know the disease, but we are worried,” he said.
According to Rulsan, every time the West Monsoon goes through Bulan Island, many residents in Air Island suffer from fever. “We don’t know whether it is because the wind brings swine viruses or something else, we don’t know. But what’s certain is that many people have fever,” he said.
Ruslan has asked the government to examine the health of residents, to diagnose the disease that is attacking them.(*)
Source : Antara