Diarrhea kills 2 in Agam regency

PADANG, West Sumatra: A diarrhea outbreak has spread quickly across Agam regency in West Sumatra in the past few days, killing two people.

Community health centers in Malalak district in Agam and hospitals in the nearby town of Bukittinggi are now treating 39 patients suffering from diarrhea.

Health officials said two Malalak residents, Muncak Saulih, 62, and Kudun Marah, 50, died on Saturday due to severe dehydration. Muncak had been admitted to Yarsi Islamic Hospital in Bukittinggi, but doctors were unable to save his life.

Spokesman for Agam regency administration, Misran, said the local government had sent medicine to the affected area and intensified dissemination of information on measures to prevent diarrhea. The government has also waived all charges for diarrhea patients. -- JP