IN MISAMIS ORIENTAL
Gastroenteritis kills 3, downs 2,000
By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 20:03:00 11/20/2008
Filed Under: Diseases, Health
MANILA, Philippines -- Three persons, including an infant, are confirmed dead while 2,235 others remain hospitalized due to an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in at least four villages in the province of Misamis Oriental this week, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) said on Thursday.
In its latest report, the PNRC identified the fatalities as Ronnel Calambao, 21, Jeffrey Balingiao, 31, and Michaela Villaluz, 1.
Calambao was pronounced dead on arrival on November 16 at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center. Balingiao, meanwhile, died from acute renal failure with severe dehydration last November 17 and Villaluz of hypovolemic shock with severe dehydration last November 19, the PNRC said in its latest bulletin.
Several medical websites define AGE as an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain.
While AGE is usually common among children, adults can be afflicted as well.
The PNRC reported that most of the victims came from Tagoloan town, which reported 1,586 cases of AGE.
The PNRC has extended medical aid to the victims, including intravenous fluids and other medication.
Based on stool exam results, most of the victims were found positive for the E. coli bacteria.
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