Dysentery hits Madura, 17 treated

BANGKALAN, Madura: Following a dengue outbreak, a dysentery outbreak has hit Bangkalan district in Madura island. At least 17 people, mostly children, were treated at Bangkalan General Hospital on Monday.

The 17 people, 13 of them children, were suffering from dehydration and their condition was very weak.

Director of Bangkalan General Hospital, Dr. Heru Ariyadi, confirmed that some areas in Bangkalan were affected, but it was too early to declare an emergency in the area.

"The condition is still not alarming yet, but the spread of dysentery must be controlled," he said.

He explained that the increase in the cases of dysentery on the island was largely attributed to the change in seasons, from wet to dry.

The weather reduced the amount and quality of fresh water in the area.

He urged local residents to only drink boiled water and if they had diarrhea to immediately consume rehydration salts or drink warm lime juice, with a little salt added.

"Diarrhea sufferers must be given fluids to prevent dehydration," he said. -- JP