George Henry, Gleaner Writer

SPALDINGS, Clarendon:

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) caretaker for North West Clarendon, Michael Stern, is calling on parish council and health authorities to address a worrying ringworm outbreak in Leicesterfield.

Stern said that in a recent visit to the community, he found that affected persons, especially children, have been using water from an untreated source. There has been no potable water in most sections of that community for more than three years, Stern argued.

"When I heard of the situation and went to the community, I saw persons, mostly children, but a few adults as well, with what appears to be ringworm on various parts of their bodies," said Stern.

Unsanitary conditions

He explained that he and a team visited a 'water hole' where residents fetch water for domestic purposes, including drinking, and he was astonished, as several persons were bathing there. The JLP caretaker added that animals also drink from the catchment area.

Stern pointed out that a doctor's examination of 45 affected persons confirmed the fungus is ringworm.

"Something has to be done for them to get a better and safer source of water, because they are taxpayers too. People have fungus in their head, on their arms and all over their bodies," said Stern angrily.

The JLP caretaker said he would be soliciting assistance for water to be trucked to the area.

The catchment at Leicester-fieldalso serves adjoining communities.