Guyanese dying from unidentified ailment

Officials in Guyana have confirmed that two more persons have died from an unidentified gastro-like illness.



The deaths have brought to six the number of persons killed by the mystery ailment in recent weeks.



Media reports say cases of the illness have been detected mainly in the Moruca area of north-western Guyana.



Officials say while the country has two cases of the H1N1 virus, some of the symptoms of the emerging ailment differ from those of the pandemic.



Instead of dying from pneumonia as with the H1N1 virus, persons are reportedly dying from dehydration.



Authorities say the ailment may be associated with the insanitary conditions under which the affected persons live.



Guyana’s health ministry is currently investigating the cases.