Feverish? Don't Treat it Lightly!

In less than a month, leptospirosis has struck dozens of victims. Nine of them have died. Is it true that it's a mysterious new illness that only appeared after the recent heavy floods receded?

March 12, 2002

It began with just a normal fever. Apart from dizziness, queasiness, and feeling feverish, there were no other serious symptoms. That was why Ikin Supandi, 54, did not hurry to the doctor or the local government clinic. "This is just a cold, isn't it? Taking flu medicine from my neighbor's kiosk will do the trick," said the resident of the Grogol area of West Jakarta.

This over-the-counter flu medicine was apparently not strong enough

...

More Articles