Diarrhea outbreak hits East Java

Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya

An outbreak of a diarrhea disease in various cities in East Java has been attributed to the public's low awareness of the importance of keeping their environment clean, a doctor says.

Doctor Eva Ken Sajekti of Mohammad Soewandhie General Hospital in Surabaya said that people's ignorance of basic hygiene standards had contributed to the rising number of patients with a diarrhea disease.

Data from the hospital shows that between Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 alone, 40 people were admitted to the hospital with a diarrhea disease, including an 8-month-old infant, Hamzah, who later died.

Last year, 98 people whose symptoms included diarrhea were hospitalized throughout November, suggesting that this year's figure could be much higher.

In Banyuwangi regency, five people have died of a diarrhea disease since early this month and dozens of others have been hospitalized.

Overall, the number of East Java residents suffering from diarrhea has risen since last year, raising concern among medical practitioners.

The number of patients with a diarrhea disease in Mohammad Soewandhie General Hospital rose by 8 percent to 1,165 between January and September this year, from 1,035 patients in the same period of last year.

A similar increase was reported in Malang municipality.

Data from Kepanjen General Hospital in Malang shows that the number of patients with a diarrhea disease rose by 24.8 percent to 186 in September and October, from 147 patients in August.

Eva claimed that people neglected the upkeep of their environment and dumped their garbage in Surabaya River.

"The river, particularly in Kenjeran and Tambak Asri areas is heavily polluted," said Eva.