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recent diarrhea outbreak has killed two and hospitalized more than 40 in Benteng district, Selayar Islands regency, South Sulawesi, a local doctor says.

Physician Muhammad Fadli Jaya Lantara said 17 patients were receiving treatment for diarrhea at Selayar Hospital.

“We have treated a total of 42 patients for diarrhea since Sept. 30. We received one more patient this morning,” Fadli said Tuesday.

Local residents Junaidi and Miranti, 3, died from diarrhea on Sunday, according to reports.

Patients reported similar symptoms when admitted to Selayar Hospital: stomachaches, defecation problems and vomiting.

“In the early stages of the epidemic, we received patients who were mostly school children. We assumed they might have consumed unhygienic snacks. Later adults and also toddlers were also sent to the hospital,” Fadli said.

The disease might be caused by a virus or bacteria in water consumed by victims — the result of recent unpredictable changes in the weather.

Selayar administration sent food and drink samples to be tested by laboratories to verify the source of contamination.

The regency Health Agency has also taken measures to halt the spread of diarrhea.

“We have informed people through the radio, mosques, schools and by mobile information and communication facilities of the importance of maintaining cleanliness and consuming hygienic foods,” Selayar Health Agency head Husaini said.

The administration also issued a circular that banned the sale of unhygienic snacks at schools, he added.

Diarrhea is now at the alert level, Husaini said.

“We must be cautious, especially after the deaths. That’s why we are continuing to monitoring the situation and are reminding people in other regions to be alert,” Husaini added.