Diarrhea hits Merauke, 20 die

Diarrhea hits Merauke, 20 die

MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: At least 20 people have died and 350 have been hospitalized in a diarrhea outbreak in the coastal area of Kasuari, the local government said last week.

Acting chief of the provincial health office, Stevanus Osok, told Antara that the first case of diarrhea was reported late last month.

Osok said the situation is under control as the local government has adequate medical supplies and personnel to handle the problem.

He said the malady is sweeping the hamlets of Bayun, Simsagar, Saptambor, Kayrin, Pripan, Aorket, Yaptambor, Saman, Emene, Yamkat and Amagais. (pan)