CHO reports 79 diarrhea cases in Limpapa; 1 dead

CHO reports 79 diarrhea

cases in Limpapa; 1 dead

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – At least 79 people have been hospitalized while a six-month-old infant has died due to diarrhea, resulting from E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacterial contamination in the water source in Barangay Limpapa, west of this city.

The City Health Office reported that the number of diarrhea cases had increased last Sept. 6 at Labuan Hospital, prompting the medical team to conduct an epidemiologic surveillance through house-to-house search of diarrhea patients.

The following day, Sept. 7, the City Health Officer Dr. Rogelio Agbulos himself led medical personnel together with the barangay officials of Limpapa conducted an inspection of the water source from where samples were taken.

Result of the water analysis conducted on Sept. 9 showed the presence of E. coli by coliform bacteria usually from human feces. Thus, the source of water was temporarily condemned.

Of the total diarrhea patients, 37 were treated at home, 31 were confined at Labuan Hospital, 3 at Zamboanga Peninsula Medical Hospital and 8 at Zamboanga City Medical Center. An infant, Kristel Gumandao, died of the disease.

The incident prompted the CHO medical personnel to conduct information campaign regarding the disease in Lower and Upper Luuk, Barangay Limpapa, where residents were advised to boil water before drinking. They were also taught on proper preparation of sodium hypochlorite solution.

Likewise, the team conducted rectal swabbing to all diarrhea patients, facilitated referral of patients to hospital using CHO ambulance, and supplied medicines and IV fluids were given to the affected area and Labuan Hospital. (Vic Larato) (092314)