100 dead as PNG declares health emergency

Papua New Guinea on Thursday raced to contain a triple outbreak of cholera, flu and dysentery which has claimed at least 100 lives and prompted a health emergency, a report said. Health inspectors were ordered to close schools and markets, dig toilets and restrict people's movements in remote parts of three provinces, The National newspaper said, as the World Health Organisation and Australia provided help.
Australia's foreign aid agency AusAID, quoting WHO figures, said 20 people had died from cholera - the country's first outbreak in decades - and 243 people had suspected cases. The National said at least 51 people had died from flu, among more than 3,000 cases, and another 29 had been killed by dysentery. Health officials could not be reached to confirm the figures.