Diarrhea threatens West Kalimantan

PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: The long dry season hitting West Kalimantan is pushing the province into an alert situation with the possibility of a diarrhea breakout, with nearly two dozen being treated for the illness in the last three days.

Antara reported here yesterday that three days ago some adults were treated and released at the Sudarso hospital, but since then three children had been admitted with diarrhea.

The numbers are small but officials are on standing by just in case.

"We've prepared a room which can hold 50 patients. If things get worse we can provide more with ample equipment and medicine," said hospital chief, Buchari.

A long dry season here always brings with it the possibility of a diarrhea epidemic. (mds)