22 Mar 2015

Vanuatu govt issues hygiene warning after diarrhoea cases

5:43 pm on 22 March 2015

Vanuatu's main hospital has reported its first cases of diarrhoea after Cyclone Pam prompting an appeal from the Minister of Health for the public to maintain basic hygiene.

Vila Central Chief Doctor Richard Leona has confirmed the disease is present but has yet to confirm the number of people affected.

People wait to be seen at the main hospital in Port Vila after Cyclone Pam. One wing was left standing.

People wait to be seen at the main hospital in Port Vila after Cyclone Pam. One wing was left standing. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins

The Minister George Wells warns that following Cyclone Pam diseases are more likely to break out over the coming days, weeks and months due to the basic living conditions within villages.

Mr Wells has encouraged people to wash their hands regularly.