The number of deaths resulting from dysentery in Morobe, Eastern Highlands and Gulf provinces of Papua New Guinea has increased, surpassing the number of deaths resulting from cholera, the other deadly disease making its way through the Highlands.
According to the country's Post-Courier Online, 72 people were added to the list of people that have succumbed to dysentery in Morobe, Eastern Highlands and Gulf provinces bringing the total number of deaths to 177.The distance to some of the areas affected means that it is harder for help to reach those affected.
Meanwhile, according to the report, authorities in Goroka went into action after the first case of cholera was confirmed in the region early in the week.
The man is said have been placed in quarantine in Goroka as the authorities step up efforts to contain the spread of the disease into the populous highlands region. The Eastern Highlands Provincial Government established a task force to take the lead in containing the disease.