REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG -- Dermatology Specialist at Hasan Sadikin general hospital in Bandung Dendi Sandiono has urged people to remain alert for virus infection caused by used clothing that are illegally imported to Indonesia.

"We should beware of used clothing and it does not mean we must not buy them (used clothes)," he said in a discussion with a number of journalists here on Friday.

According to him, diseases may be caused by fungus, bacteria, and body lice.

"Viruses and bacteria can cause herpes simplex, genital herpes, and itching," he explained.

The possibility of someone contracting diseases due to the use of second-hand clothing was increasingly open, especially if a person has weak immunity.

Besides that, Sandiono remarked, if someone wants to use second-hand clothes, he or she should first soak used clothes in hot water (100 degrees Celsius) for five to 10 minutes and wash them separately.

The Trade Ministry has been coordinating with Customs office in an effort to hamper the illegal import of second-hand clothes.

Meanwhile, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel said his office will immediately issue rules to curb the trade of second-hand goods.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika