1 of Baguio water sources contaminated – DOH

BY GERARD NAVAL and VICTOR REYES

THE Department of Health yesterday said one of the water sources in Baguio City has been contaminated, based on preliminary information.

Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag made the statement a day after Mayor Benjamin Magalong declared an outbreak of gastroenteritis in the city, saying the illness has affected at least 1,600 persons.

Tayag did not identify the source of contaminated water and said `tests are continuing in all the water sources of the city.”

“They have observed an increase in cases of diarrhea since December 21… And we expect that the numbers will continue to rise,” he said.

In a press briefing Wednesday, Magalong said the city is in the middle of containment, prevention and investigation insofar as the problem is concerned.

“So with 1,609 (cases), I would like to declare, officially declare, that we have an outbreak of gastroenteritis,” he said.

Magalong also said he and his wife were not spared by the illness. He said they attended an event in the city last Saturday. He said other guests were also affected by the illness, specifically those who drank juice.

He said some 218 establishments were affected by the illness, of which 80 are located at SM Baguio City.

Magalong urged residents to avoid drinking tap water, pending the testing and investigation.

“Meantime, buy (drinking) water from credible water stations, purified water or bottled water, or boil water (from the faucet before drinking them),” he added.

The DOH, in a statement, said diarrhea is an illness that leads to loose and watery stools, and is usually brought by either water- or food-borne agents. Those with diarrhea are advised to ensure hydration by drinking replacement fluids, particularly water with oral rehydration solution (oresol).

Tayag also advised them to subscribe to the “BRAT” diet or the banana, rice, apple, and toast when hit with diarrhea.