DOH steps up diarrhea watch in Samar

PALO, Leyte, June 15 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) is stepping up the monitoring of diarrhea cases in Eastern Visayas as the illness continue to plague poor communities.

Teams from the department’s regional office have been deployed to curb the illness that killed 44 persons and afflicted 3,496 others in four Eastern Visayas provinces, said DOH Regional Director Minerva Molon.

The DOH earlier declared an outbreak in Sta Rita town, Catbalogan City, and Calbiga town in Samar, but the situation now is under control. The DOH has blamed contamination of drinking water as the culprit.

“We have been receiving reports that situation is improving, but we will not rest unless the health problem is fully addressed,” Molon said.

The health official also called for cooperation from the affected communities by practicing proper hygiene, use of sanitary toilets and proper waste disposal.

She also called on newly-elected officials to prioritize the provision of safe potable water.

“We have to prepare our communities. This is continuous activity through our health promotion by networking with our newly-elected officials, who are not yet aware of our program,” said Molon.

Diarrhea has been affecting the towns of Las Navas, Gamay, Catarman, Lavezares, Biri, Bobon, Laoang, Lope de Vega, Mondragon and Pambujan in northern Samar.

In Samar province, diarrhea has downed several residents in Catbalogan City, Calbiga, Sta Rita, Zumarraga, Talalora, Basey, Pinabacdao, Sta Margarita, and Daram.

Catbalogan City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan said as part of the city government action to address the problem is to continue monitoring the situation by activating their Operation Center that treats cases.

“Our health workers have been assessing the situation. For those villages affected wherein water contamination is suspected we have distributed aqua tabs. We have already purchased emergency medicines as early as April,” Uy-Tan said. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR