Five die from diarrhea

Five die from diarrhea

AMBON, Maluku: Five people have died and 45 others have been hospitalized in an outbreak of diarrhea in Kao district, northern Maluku, since the epidemic was first reported late last month.

All of those who have died were adults, but many of those who have been hospitalized are children, Antara reported yesterday, quoting hospital sources.

Local health officials have postulated that the outbreak of the disease resulted from conditions of inadequate hygiene.

Chief of the Maluku health office, Umarella, said that the provincial government had sent medical supplies to the stricken area. He said a team of doctors had also been sent in. (pan)