BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
A diarrhoea outbreak has claimed the lives of two adults and one child in Isabel Province within a week, leaving residents of Huali village in shock and grief.
Reports reaching Island Sun said community members in Huali are still struggling to come to terms with the outbreak, which has affected villagers from adults to infants since last month.
In an interview with Island Sun, Director of the Isabel Province Health and Medical Authority, Martin Gavira, confirmed that Buala Hospital has received reports of the situation.
“We received reports that community members are affected by diarrhoea, from adults to children.
“Initial reports highlight symptoms such as passing loose, watery stools, vomiting, and in serious cases, passing blood,” he said.
Gavira said a medical team from Buala Hospital was deployed to Huali to conduct an assessment and identify the cause of the outbreak.
“Our team travelled to Huali yesterday. The team includes doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians.
“They will carry out investigations to verify the contributing factors,” he said.
Gavira, who is from Huali village himself, said the village population has increased over the years, making proper settlement planning and sanitation critical.
He said community leaders must establish simple rules to ensure cleanliness and protect public health.
“This is a reminder that we need to stop using mangroves and bushes as toilets. This community needs proper sanitation due to its population size,” he said.
Gavira calls on residents of Huali to take precautions and strictly follow good hygiene practices to prevent further spread of the disease.
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