Thirteen die in diarrhea outbreak

Thirteen die in diarrhea outbreak

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Thirteen people have died and more
than 300 others have been hospitalized as a diarrhea epidemic
broke out in Ende and Sumba, Antara reported yesterday.

In Ende, local hospitals are overwhelmed by the horde of
patients, Soemarmo, secretary to Ende subdistrict administration,
said yesterday.

He said that up to yesterday, at least 180 people had been
admitted to hospitals in Ende with the symptoms. Hospitals could
hardly accommodate them and three village health centers in the
area have no available doctor.

He said the epidemic was triggered by the lack of hygiene.

In Sumba, West Nusa Tenggara, 230 people are now hospitalized
with diarrhea, Antara reported. (rms)