Seven die in diarrhea outbreak

Seven die in diarrhea outbreak

PADANG, West Sumatra: Seven people have died and dozens
hospitalized in an outbreak of diarrhea in seven villages in the
Agam regency.

Head of the provincial health office, Firdaus Baharuddin, said
on Monday that the epidemic began on June 5.

Several villagers sought medical treatment at their local
community health centers. "But later the health centers could not
accommodate the patients," Baharuddin said.

Antara reported yesterday that the Agam regency administration
has set up five health posts for first aid treatment.

Patients from the worst-hit village of Puncak Lawang have to
travel to the Ahmad Mukhtar general hospital in Bukittinggi, 25
kilometers away, for treatment.

Firdaus pointed to the people's lack of cleanliness as the
main cause of the epidemic. (anr)