Residents of farming communities in Ba are demanding answers from the authorities as a wave of a suspected water-borne illness has resulted in the deaths of their loved ones and hospitalised many more.
Authorities are still trying to determine the exact cause of the rise in diarrhoea cases, which has left at least seven dead.
The incident has spurred residents to shun tap water in favour of bottled water, while some have resorted to other sources such as boreholes.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has urged all members of the community to boil all drinking water and practise handwashing after visiting the washroom.
It also confirmed the cases were reported in Balevuto, Nukuloa, Nacaci and Toge.
People have also been advised to go to the hospital if they experience any of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, bloating and flatulence, abdominal cramps, stomach pains and loss of appetite.
