Diarrhoea outbreak in Kamarang caused by waterborne diseases – Minister

…calls on GWI for explanation

An outbreak of diarrhoea has hit the Amerindian community of Kamarang in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) owing to the absence of potable water.

Approximately 25 persons have already been affected and with a limited amount of purified drinking water in the community, the number of infected persons is expected to rise.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton made this disclosure during an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday.

He explained that he is extremely concerned over the outbreak in his village and more worryingly, is the lack of drinkable water available to residents.

Dr Norton added that the Guyana Water Incorporation (GWI) commenced works to drill a 200-foot well in the community; but to date, the well only stands at 50 feet deep.

“It only reached to 50 feet and it was halted. I am concerned about that and I want GWI to explain the situation,” he stated.

Because of the absence of potable water, residents are forced to use water from the nearby river for domestic purposes and it is the suspicion of the Minister that the water is contaminated.

Usually, diarrhoea is caused by a virus that infects the gut. Some people call it intestinal flu or stomach flu.

Minister Norton said a team of health officials have already visited the area to dispatch treatment to those affected persons and to put measures in place to prevent a further outbreak.

He said residents were supplied with jerry cans attached with a water filtration system.

Over in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), there has reportedly been an increase in the number of children treated for diarrhoea and vomiting at the Linden Hospital Complex over the past week.

However, Chairman of the Board of the medical institution, Mortimer Mingo said the situation should not be regarded as an “outbreak”.

Mingo added the institution was currently unaware of the source of the illness.