Authorities respond to cholera on Daru

THE Health Department is making arrangements to airlift urgent medical supplies to Daru, Western, as it confirmed a suspected outbreak of cholera in the province.
Acting secretary Paul Dopsie said yesterday the department was arranging to airlift oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluid and other urgent supplies to Daru.
Dopsie said the department was monitoring the situation on the ground and also urged people to take preventive measures.
The department also advised relevant authorities to address poor water and sanitation situation in Daru to avoid further spread of diseases such as typhoid, cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases.
Dopsie confirmed the department had received reports of more than 200 patients being treated at the Daru Hospital outpatient wing on Monday night.
He said laboratory samples had been sent to the pathology laboratory at the Port Moresby General Hospital to confirm the cause of the outbreak.
Meanwhile, AusAID is monitoring the cholera outbreak that had killed 15 children and hospitalised more than 60 people.
The outbreak’s proximity to Australia, and the regular flow of PNG people through the Torres Strait, on customary and traditional grounds, is being watched by Australia, authorities said.
“AusAID will meet with World Health Organisation officials and the national government to discuss the findings and, if necessary, may consider a joint mission to Daru,” an official said.
The National reported on Tuesday that hundreds of locals on Daru Island had been treated over the past three weeks, with 15 children dying from cholera.
Dr Amos Lano told The National the children died at both the hospital and their homes from cholera-related symptoms of watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and vomiting.
“Patients started feeling sick after drinking well water which is now being checked to determine if it is contaminated,” he said.
Warren Dutton, a former politician, said concerned residents in Kiunga met on Monday night to find ways to prevent the further spread of the disease.
“Up until now, there has been no notification from any of the health or other authorities responsible for the health and safety of the people of th Western.
“Hand washing and sanitation has become crucial and we are urging that all flights, especially from Daru into Kiunga, are properly dealt with when passengers get off the plane,” he added.