BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The number of amoebiasis cases in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental continues to increase with 230 cases recorded as of yesterday morning.
The patients are currently admitted at the San Carlos City Hospital, said Mayor Renato Gustilo.
Amoebiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite Entamoeba histolytica which is spread through human feces.
Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, stomach tenderness, and occasional fever.
Gustilo said there were lapses in San Carlos City Health Office’s reporting of cases, pointing out if he received a proper report, he could have declared a health emergency much earlier.
Gustilo declared a state of health emergency just this Feb. 23.
“Alarming concerns on the rising cases of amoebiasis” prompted him to issue Executive Order (EO) No. 79 declaring an emergency.
The city mayor also confirmed yesterday seven inmates at the San Carlos City District Jail were also hospitalized due to amoebiasis.
A subsequent inspection and water test at the jail, however, proved negative for amoeba bacteria.
Gustilo scheduled a meeting with the San Carlos Water Works to discuss ways to address the rising amoebiasis cases.
Water sampling of households, especially those with positive cases, has been stepped up.
The city’s main line water system has also been subjected to laboratory tests which “unofficially” detected presence of the amoeba bacteria.
The samples have been sent to an accredited laboratory in Bacolod City for further verification, and the results are expected to be released on Friday, March 3.
In the meantime, Gustilo advised the city’s residents to use bottled water or boil water first before drinking.
Amoebiasis can be prevented by boiling water for drinking; keeping surroundings clean; washing hands after using the toilet and before eating; and maintaining proper personal and food hygiene./PN
