Diarrhea kills six in Ciamis area

CIAMIS, West Java: The death toll from the outbreak of diarrhea in this regency has risen to six and 1,400 people have been admitted to hospital.

The number of affected subdistricts has also increased from four last week to six yesterday, Antara reported.

Regent Dedem Ruhlia blamed the epidemic on unhygienic conditions, aggravated by the current prolonged dry spell and subsequent water shortage.

He said the local government plans to sponsor an information campaign on health because the public's lack of awareness of cleanliness sees the epidemic almost every year. (pan)