BY GLENDA TAYONA
ILOILO City – Six barangays here reported suspected cases of acute gastroenteritis and cholera which are both water-borne diseases. The city government immediately ordered the shallow wells in these barangays be off-limits to the villagers.
Rectal swab samples were also taken from the affected residents and these were sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Metro Manila for laboratory tests, Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Pending confirmation from the RITM, Treñas declined to identify the six barangays.
The shallow wells in the barangays will also be subjected to analysis.
Acute gastroenteritis is a diarrheal disease of rapid onset, with or without nausea, vomiting, fever, or abdominal pain.
Cholera, on the other hand, is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. People can get sick when they swallow food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe and life-threatening.
Treñas said several barangay residents experienced loose bowel movement and vomiting. They were believed to have drank contaminated water.
Some of these residents were hospitalized. The city government may help them financially.
“The City Health Office is closely monitoring the cases,” said Treñas.
The CHO is yet to release the specific number of residents who fell ill.
The city government has started delivering to these barangays bottled drinking water.
In an advisory, the CHO also urged the public to boil their drinking water.
Treñas said the city government is also working closely with city’s water distributor, Metro Pacific Water, to ensure a clean supply.
Meanwhile, the CHO summoned water refilling station operators after one of them located in one of the affected barangays was found to have not met quality standards.
“We urge the public to cooperate and ensure safe potable water for everyone,” Treñas said.
According to the CHO, with the rainy season comes the risk of possible transmission of water-borne diseases, or diseases transmitted through water contaminated with human or animal waste.
There is also a risk of water contamination in deep wells and damaged pipelines.
Thus, CHO said, the public is being urged to observe precautionary measures as protection against water-borne illnesses through proper hygiene, and cleanliness of food and water.
The public is advised to make sure drinking water is from a safe and reliable source.
When in doubt, it is a must to boil drinking water. Wait for two minutes or longer when the water reaches a rolling boil, or chlorinate drinking water to make it safe.
The health office added that food should be well-cooked.
Leftovers should be covered and kept away from household pests, and food waste should be disposed properly.
“Always wash hands before and after eating, and using the toilet. When sick, consult a doctor or go to the nearest health center at once if you, or any household member, have any sign or symptom of infection,” CHO added./PN
