DOH probes rise in diarrhea cases in Baguio City

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is assisting the Baguio City government in managing and controlling a recent outbreak of diarrhea, the agency said Thursday. 

The DOH and the local government are conducting epidemiologic investigation and conducting water testing across the city after 308 cases of diarrhea were reported from December 21 to January 3. 

Infants as young as three months to a 92-year-old resident were affected. Eleven cases required hospitalization, but no deaths have been reported. 

Mayor Benjamin Magalong declared Wednesday a gastroenteritis outbreak after 1,500 cases of the intestinal infection were recorded. Gastroenteritis is a condition that causes diarrhea, or loose and watery stools, and vomiting. 

“The DOH advises all to always use clean water for drinking, preparing drinks, cooking, washing, eating and cooking utensils, brushing teeth, and washing the hands and face,” the department said. 

Residents of affected areas will be provided access to clean, potable water pending the final result of the ongoing investigation. 

The health department advised residents to boil water for at least two minutes and use chlorine-based water disinfection solution or tablets, if available in health centers. The public should also report any change in water color or odor from household taps.

It added that those who experience diarrhea should drink replacement fluids such as clean water, ideally with oral rehydration solution, and consult a doctor.