Hundreds survive diarrheal outbreak

Hundreds survive diarrheal outbreak

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: As many as 317 residents of several districts in the East Lombok regency recently hit by diarrhea have recovered, Antara reported yesterday.

Spokesman of the local administration, Tjok Sutendra Rai, revealed the information yesterday and denied press reports of a cholera epidemic. He said that the outbreak affecting the area was diarrhea.

"One needs special laboratory tests before an outbreak of cholera can be established," he said.

It is important, especially in press reports, he said, to differentiate the two in order to keep from scaring the public or foreign tourists away.

A local health official, Dr. Moch. Ismail, said the 317 affected by diarrhea were hospitalized during the short period between Jan. 25 and Feb. 6. (swe)