The Department of Health (DOH) said it is now investigating diarrhea cases recorded in Quezon province.
As of Sept. 26 to Oct. 6, at least 38 diarrhea cases were recorded in Barangay Upper Lumutan General Nakar. These cases involved members of the Dumagat tribe. Of the 38 cases, six people “died from severe dehydration,” said the DOH-Center for Health Development in the Calabarzon region in a statement.
The DOH-Calabarzon said among the signs and symptoms observed in patients were fever, abdominal pain, watery stool, joint pain, and some had coughs and colds.
The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) have already conducted a rapid case investigation, the DOH-Calabarzon said.
“Based on the initial findings, diarrhea cases are due to amoebiasis. DOH-Calabarzon is still awaiting for the laboratory findings,” it said.
The DOH-Calabarzon said that it already supplied "medicines, aquatabs, hyposol, oral rehydration solution and specimen kits" to the rural health unit.
“Rest assured that we are working closely with IPHO (Integrated Provincial Health Office) through our RESU (Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units) to provide the necessary assistance in the affected barangay,” said DOH-Calabarzon Regional Director Ariel Valencia.
Diarrhea is loose or watery stool. Other symptoms of diarrhea include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or weight loss.
“These infections are often acquired from food or water that has been contaminated by feces, or directly from another infected person,” the DOH-Calabarzon said.
The public was advised to follow these steps to avoid diarrhea:
-Drink water only from safe sources. If unsure, boil water for three minutes or do water chlorination.
-Eat only foods that are well cooked and properly prepared. Avoid eating street vended food. Keep the food away from insects and rats by covering them using food cover.
-Wash your hands frequently. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
“Patients may be given an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORESOL), rice soup (am) to replace lost body fluid,” the DOH-Calabarzon added.