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)