Mindanaotoday.com | Davao diarrhea outbreak downs 147, kills kid
By: Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY—The City Health Office (CHO) confirmed Wednesday the death of a 10-year-old boy due to severe dehydration amid a diarrhea outbreak in several barangays that affected 147 people since July 16.
In a statement, the CHO said the patient died on July 19 while staying at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
Since July 16, clustered villages Bato, Toril Proper, Crossing Bayabas, Lubogan, Mulig, Daliaon Plantation, and Tungkalan in Toril-A have reported cases of diarrhea.
In Toril-B, barangays Daliao North, Daliao South, Lizada fish port, Lizada Kurbada, and Binugao also registered cases.
Meanwhile, the city government will provide assistance to the family of the deceased, as well as the other affected patients.
The CHO said it continues to monitor the situation and assured that the medical needs of the patients are addressed accordingly.
While the Davao City Water District released partial results of their water analysis, the CHO said it is also doing an independent water analysis in coordination with the Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-11) and SPMC.
“We are waiting for the results to confirm any possible contamination,” it added.
The CHO also gathered food/drink samples for testing and analysis to rule out any possible source of infection that might have caused the outbreak.
Pending results of laboratory tests, the city government has suspended the operations of food stalls in Toril District until further notice.
Also, the city government has initiated to subject food vendors to undergo fecalysis starting July 20 and shall undergo Food Handlers’ Seminar on July 21 at the Toril Proper Gym.
The CHO reminded the Dabawenyos especially the affected barangays to avoid drinking or using tap water for food preparation without boiling it up to 100 degrees.
It also urged residents to use purified or bottled water for drinking, if possible and frequently wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. (PNA)
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