6 Mar 2006

Outbreak of diarrhoea in American Samoa prompts warning

8:44 pm on 6 March 2006

An outbreak of diarrhoea has occurred on the islands of Ofu and Olosega in American Samoa's Manu'a group.

Public Health officer and Medical director, Dr Ivan Tuliau, says more than 20 cases of diarrhoea have been reported this week.

The outbreak has prompted the Health Department to issue public announcements for Ofu and Olosega residents.

The announcements asks anyone with diarrhoea to seek medical assistance from the resident nurse at the Ofu dispensary.

The notice also asks that the health of children and the elderly be closely monitored as they are more susceptible to other illnesses brought on by diarrhoea.

Residents are also advised to boil all water used for drinking or cooking.

The American Samoa Power Authority is running tests on the water to determine if there is any link between the islands' water system and the diarrhoea outbreak.