National Institute of Health Issues Dysentery Alert

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National Institute of Health Issues Dysentery Alert

Published: 04 Jan. 2003, 18:41

On March 2, the National Institute of Health disclosed that out of 32 diarrhea patients from 17 families in Mohyon-dong, Yongin, Kyonggi Province, 13 were found to be bacillus dysentery patients after it conducted a dynamic investigation. The institute was briefed about a group of patients living in households using subterranean water from Kyonggi Province health authorities on 29 February.

The institute believes that the residents used untreated water because of a lack of water in the water collecting area. A severe winter drought is responsible for insufficient water. The institute directed that the residents in question be supplied with water from other areas.

The institute views that the disease is highly likely to erupt in isolated areas and group facilities. It directed all cities and provinces that temporary tap water facilities be cleaned and sterilized. It also requested that residents who use temporary tap water facilities boil their drinking water.

by Shin Song-sik