City Health notes increase in amoebiasis cases

The Cebu City Epidemiology Statistics and Surveillance Unit reported of increasing cases of amoebiasis here, revealing a total of 251 from January to May of this year, with barangay Labangon having the most number of cases, and mostly affecting females.

The report disclosed that the figure is 13.57 percent higher as compared to last year of the same period. This year, barangay Labangon had 16 cases, followed by barangay Talamban with 14 and Bacayan with 13. There were, however, no fatalities reported.

The report also showed that 56.5 percent of those affected were females.

Amoebiasis is an acute human intestinal disease caused by the protozoan, Etamoeba histolytica. This can be transmitted through contaminated food and water.

This ailment is characterized by severe diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood, extreme thirst, poor feeding and drinking, vomiting, and may lead to erosions of the intestinal wall and liver abscess. Dehydration may lead to death.

The diagnosis for amoebiasis is made by stool examination. Observance of the three Fs is necessary in the management of diarrhea - increase of Fluids to replace what has been lost, giving of frequent Feedings continuously specially after diarrhea episodes, and Fast Referral if blood and mucus are noted in the stools. If found positive of Etamoeba histolytica, medications as prescribed by the doctor should be religiously taken.

An advisory issued by the City Health Office read that aside from proper food preparation, observance of proper hand washing and keeping up with the basic personal hygiene is the best defense against getting infected with the disease.

Ensuring safe and potable drinking water, avoiding street foods, and observing sanitary disposal of human feces are also recommended. - Garry B. Lao