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)