CHANGSHA, China, June 6 (UPI) -- The government is rushing to stop the spread of typhoid fever and diarrhea in southern China, where 17 million people have been affected by heavy flooding.
At least three people in Hunan's Xinshao County were confirmed to have typhoid fever. Local governments in flood-hit areas are hurrying to vaccinate people before the problem spreads.
Heavy rains and flooding since last week have killed 204 people, with 79 reported missing, China Daily reported Monday.
Over 17 million people in 16 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions were affected, with homes, farmland and livestock lost to flooding and landslides.
At least 8 inches of rain are expected in the coming days, and more flooding is likely on the Yangtze River, the National Meteorological Center has warned.
By contrast, areas in 11 provinces, including southwest Yunnan province, are suffering from serious drought. Official reports said 11 million people and 6 million head of livestock were facing a shortage of drinking water.
