Diarrhea outbreaks strike three provinces
Diarrhea outbreaks strike three provinces
The Jakarta Post, Makassar/Semarang/Manado
Thousands of people in South Sulawesi, Central Java and North
Sulawesi provinces have been treated for diarrhea over the past
few months, with some succumbing to complications resulting from
the condition.
In South Sulawesi province, at least 15 people have died of
the disease as of Monday at several hospitals.
Local government data shows that over 6,200 people were
treated for diarrhea between Nov. 1 and Nov. 22 in the province.
The deputy chief of the South Sulawesi health office, Muhadir,
warned local residents that the problem could worsen in the next
few weeks as the annual rains began to fall in some parts of the
province.
Cumulative data has shown that the number of people treated
for diarrhea generally surges during the rainy season.
People's Consultative Assembly
(MPR) deputy chairman Aksa Mahmud, who is visiting the area, has
called on local residents to raise their awareness of basic
hygiene and sanitation in their homes to prevent further
occurrences.
In Central Java, cases of diarrhea emerged in several areas
three months ago, including Tegal, Solo and Semarang
municipalities. Some 120 people have been treated monthly at
Tegal's Kardinal Hospital, while Solo's Moewardi Hospital have
also treated a similar number of patients every month. In
Semarang, Tugurejo Hospital has treated about 40 people for
diarrhea each month.
"However, we have not yet received any reports on fatalities,"
said Dr. Krishnajaya, head of the Central Java health office.
In North Sulawesi, one person has died and 150 others have
been admitted to hospitals in South Minahasa regency since last
Wednesday; almost all came from Tareran district.
Dozens of people were transferred to Bethesda Hospital in the
neighboring city of Tomohon as South Minahasa hospitals could not
accommodate any more inpatients.
Tareran district head J. Kondoy said some people had been
released from the hospitals and were starting to return home.
The South Minahasa government has established several command
posts to coordinate measures to help prevent a further increase
in the number of people suffering the condition.
The government will also step up campaign efforts to raise
people's awareness of the importance of clean food and water,
generally thought to be the main triggers of the widespread
cases.
Diarrhea can be caused by a number of different triggers,
including bacterial or viral infections and gastrointestinal
reactions to food or medication.
"To prevent fatalities, we have alerted all ambulances and
health workers at all community health centers in the regency,"
said South Minahasa Regent R.M. Luntungan.