Two infants suffering diarrhea die

PEKANBARU: A diarrhea outbreak that hit Meranti Islands regency in Riau has caused the death of two infants.

In the outbreak, which the area has been affected by over the last week, many children in Sungai Cina village became infected. At least 20 children under five years of age have been taken to the village health center.

“Initially the residents thought the children were suffering from ordinary stomachaches so many parents did not seek medical assistance for their children. When they heard about the death of the two infants, however, they increased their level of alert,” Fedli Aji, a medical team member, said Tuesday. — JP