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The Davao Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Sunday an outbreak of diarrhea in Davao Occidental, which local health authorities said was likely caused by contaminated water.
Three people were previously reported to have died after 34 Barangay Butuan residents, José Abad Santos, were hospitalized.
The municipal health official, Dr. Amparo Lachica, said that “the probable source of infection is through contaminated water” after conducting the initial investigation.
“A team from RESU (Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit) is scheduled to visit the affected barangay to collect the appropriate samples and continue the investigation together,” DOH said in a statement.
The department added that its regional office has provided medications and intravenous fluids to the Tomas Lachica District Hospital, where the patients were admitted, as well as water storage cans and chlorine granules for the affected barangay.
“DOH would like to reiterate to the public once again the importance of safe water, the use of improved sanitation and hand washing with soap can reduce the risk of diarrhea,” he said.
“If someone experiences three or more loose or watery stools per day, they should report it immediately to the nearest facility for immediate health interventions,” added DOH. – Julia Mari Ornedo / BM, GMA News
