Ministry Of Health: 9 Residents Exposed To Cs-137 In Cikande, In Intensive Care

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health stated that as many as nine people who tested positive for the whole-body counter (WBC) in the examination of CS-137 radioactive exposure in Cikande had been handled by Fatmawati Hospital Jakarta, and the nine people were asymptomatic and in good condition.

Head of the Communication and Public Information Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Aji Muhawarman, said the results were found from the examination of around 1,562 workers and residents around the Cikande Industrial Estate as a follow-up to the case of shrimp exposed to radioactive material in the area.

"The treatment is given Prussian blue medicine," said Aji, quoted by ANTARA Jakarta, Friday, October 3.

He said the detection process was carried out in layers, with an inspection flow.

"Surveymeters to detect external exposure of radiation to the body and clothing. If positive, decontamination is carried out. Bath, change clothes, then re-examine," he said.

Then, proceed with blood tests to see indications of a decrease in lymphocytes. For those with low lymphocytes, WBC is carried out to detect exposure to internal radiation, in order to determine the level of cesium that enters the body.

"If it is seriously indicated, it will be referred to the national referral hospital (Fatmawati Hospital) for further examination and treatment," he said.

A number of effects and impacts of Cs-137 exposure to the human body, he said, include short-term effects, such as acute radiation syndrome, namely nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, to decreased white blood cells. In addition, skin damage and tissue with redness signatures, swelling, radiation burns.

In high radiation exposure, there is a risk of bleeding, severe infection, organ damage, and death.

Meanwhile, in the long term, he said, where low exposure is repeated or internal, there is an increased risk of cancer due to DNA damage, decreased endurance due to spinal cord disorders and immunity. If exposure to pregnant women, the risk of fetal disorders increases.

The chronic exposure to the organs of the body can trigger metabolic and degenerate disorders. However, he stressed that the majority of exposures found were still at a level that could be treated with decontamination, special drugs, and long-term health monitoring.

Aji explained that the government through the CS-137 Handling Task Force has taken quick steps to handle the Cikande area and its surroundings, which is within a 5 km radius.

A number of steps have been taken, he said, namely education and risk communication to the public to remain calm, but alert, and public health monitoring will be carried out, including monitoring of families and home contacts.

"The examination will be expanded waiting for the results of the mapping from BAPETEN and BRIN," he said.

He appealed to the public to take part in free health checks at health centers or health facilities appointed by the government, because radiation cannot be seen, heard, or kissed, so health checks are very important to know the impact.

"Implement Clean and Healthy Life Behavior (PHBS). Diligently wash your hands, shower after activities in risky areas, consume nutritious food, get enough rest," he said.

He reminded them to immediately report to health workers if they experience complaints, such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, or other health changes, and monitor only official information from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Task Force, and local governments.

"There is no need to worry too much, the government has carried out decontamination, location security, and medical treatment," he said.

Aji reminded not to give stigma or discrimination, and social solidarity helps joint recovery.