There was a certain town in the north named Walawa. After a while the name was changed to Wahala which means trouble. The people changed its name because nearly all the people of the town were not well. They had all kinds of diseases. They complained of abdominal cramps, diarrhea with blood and mucus, stools and urine with blood. Some were even seeing worms in their stools: round, tape and hookworms. The people of the town defecated and urinated behind the house, in the field, or anywhere. There were many flies in this town.

One day a visitor came to the town. He saw everyone defecating outside and noted that there was a lot of stomach pain among the people. He went to greet the chief. The chief of Wahala told him about their troubles. The chief said they were thinking of moving.

The visitor told the chief that they had this trouble because everyone was defecating and urinating outside. He explained that flies sit on the feces and then carry the germs from them when they come and sit on food that they eat. These germs cause disease. Also, the whirlwind or rain can wash the germs into their drinking water. When they drink it they also drink the germs that cause diseases that give them much trouble. If one steps where one has defecated, hookworm enters the feet of that person, grow inside of him and cause abdominal pain and weight loss.

To prevent this trouble the visitor said, "All the people of the town need to dig a hole that is called a latrine in their compound. Everyone should defecate and urinate in the latrine. If one is in the bush at the time, dig a hole and bury the feces just like a cat does. Wash hands after defecating and before eating. Keep food covered. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating. Remember to keep the hole of the latrine well covered when not in use in order to prevent flies from entering."

When the people of Wahala did this their health soon improved because the seeds of disease were not being spread all around in their feces. They happily changed the name of the town back to Walawa.

Questions:

1. Where did the people of Wahala defecate?

2. What were the symptoms of their trouble?

3. Who came to town?

4. What did the visitor tell them caused their problem?

5. How can they prevent their trouble?

6. If they moved to a different location, would they rest from their trouble?