12 November 2009
Lamu — Eight people have died on the Kenyan island of Lamu and others have been hospitalized following a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea (AWD), an official said.
The spread of AWD could be attributed to recent floods in the area which have seen people displaced, said Lamu District Medical Officer Mitwani Bijuma.
The most affected areas were Langoni, Mkomani, Kandahar and Kijitoni.
Lamu principal chief Jamal Mzee Fangupi told IRIN street food vendors and social gatherings had been banned, and hygiene awareness programmes were in place, to curb the spread of the disease.
Recent floods have left thousands homeless in Lamu and the neighbouring districts of Malindi and Magarini.
[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]
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