Diarrhea hits CPG town; 70 people sick in 1 month

A total of 70 people have been reported brought to the hospital in a diarrhea outbreak reported in Pres. Carlos P. Garcia town for a period of more than a month. This was the report submitted by the quick response team of the Office of the Governor based on the records available at the Garcia Municipal Hospital (GMH) in the said town. Gov. Erico Aumentado organized the quick response team to address emergencies such as the diarrhea outbreak. The total number of cases was based on the admissions recorded at the said hospital for the period from June 1 to July 5.

Hospital records revealed that of the total number of cases reported, 32 were admitted after complaining of stomach ache resulting to dehydration. In addition, 38 more were brought to the hospital due to the same ailment but were relegated to the Out Patient Department. The victims were from 10 different barangays in the island town. The quick response team proceeded to CPG town to make an actual assessment of the outbreak after it was initially reported.

The team brought some 60 bottles of dextrose for use in the hospital in response to the appeal made by the town officials in connection with the outbreak. Dr. Ethel Palatan, GMH chief, said blamed the outbreak on a contaminated water source which the victims used for drinking water.

Palatan revealed that most of the residents in the island rely on deep wells and open dug wells for drinking water. The exposed well openings are vulnerable to contamination especially during the advent of the rainy season. A similar incident occurred last year particularly during the wet months of June and July. Palatan advised residents to boil the water for 30 minutes before actual use for drinking water.

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