DOH Intensifies Intervention on Diarrhea Outbreak in Samar, ARMM and Zamboanga

The Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday it has intensified coordination and intervention in its efforts toward addressing the diarrhea outbreak in some areas in Samar, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Zamboanga City.

“All water sources found positive for fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli were chlorinated and disinfected so it will be safe for human consumption. This also includes distribution of medicines, aquatabs or water disinfectant tablets, and jerry cans to the affected areas and information dissemination to the public on the importance of proper hygiene and water safety,” said DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin.

She stressed that proper hygiene, cleanliness of surroundings and water safety are the primary preventive measures against diarrhea.

It can be recalled that the local health offices of Sulu and Basilan in the ARMM have noted increasing cases of diarrhea which were admitted in different hospitals.

A total of 4,060 cases were reported as of June 6, 2016.

Most of those affected were children 0-4 years old (71 percent) and 54 percent were males.

There were 33 deaths reported, with some deaths due to other associated illnesses like pneumonia, severe dehydration, malnutrition and cardio-respiratory arrest.

Meanwhile, increasing diarrhea cases from some Samar provinces were also reported to the DOH.

As of June 8, 2016, there was a total of 1,160 diarrheal diseases.

The municipality of Calbiga had 215 out of the 1,160 cases; followed by Catbalogan City with 204 cases, and Sta. Rita with 114 cases. There were 21 deaths.

In Zamboanga City, officials have reported some 3,000 diarrheal diseases due to rotavirus and norovirus since late March, including 22 fatalities.

This has prompted health officials to take actions to prevent additional cases.

Fecal Coliform bacteria are the most common microbiological contaminants of natural water.

The presence of these bacteria indicates that the source of water is contaminated with feces or sewage, and it has the potential to cause the disease.

On the other hand, Escherichia coli or E. coli bacteria can be acquired from contaminated water or food — especially raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef.

These kinds of bacteria are found in great quantities in the intestines of people and warm-blooded animals.

The DOH Chief noted that the bacteria causing diarrhea may also be acquired through unsanitary handling of food and water.

“Therefore, the public is advised to drink water only from safe sources. If unsure, boil water for three minutes. Eat only food that are well-cooked and properly prepared. Keep food away from insects and rats by covering them. Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before eating or cooking. Use toilet when defecating and always wash hands with soap and water before and after eating and after using the toilet,” she said.

“Sama-sama nating labanan ang iba’t ibang sakit at protektahan ang ating pamilya sa pamamagitan ng paghugas ng kamay, at paglilinis ng ating kapaligiran… Tandaan na sa kalusugan, laging sagot ang kalinisan,” Dr. Garin said. (PNA) SCS/LSJ