The Sanitation Division of the City Health Services Office and the Baguio Water District are currently gathering water samples from different water sources of concerned establishments in the city. Samples are being tested to track down the cause of the contamination. | PHOTO: Official facebook page of Baguio City PIO / Dr. Donnabel Panes
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) said an examination of water sources in Baguio City is ongoing after Mayor Benjamin Magalong declared a diarrhea outbreak in the country’s summer capital.
The spike in diarrhea cases began on December 21 last year, according to preliminary findings from the Baguio City Health Office.
On Wednesday, the total number of reported diarrhea cases in the city was 1,761, including both locals and tourists.
The DOH said the Baguio City Health Office is conducting water testing.
The health department, however, advised Baguio City dwellers to boil it or use disinfection tablets to stay safe.
“Water testing is ongoing in the city,” it said in a statement Thursday.
“Water may be boiled for two minutes (start the timer after the water comes to a rolling boil). The use of chlorine-based water disinfection solution or tablets, if available in health centers, is also recommended,” it also said.
READ: Gastroenteritis outbreak declared in Baguio
The DOH explained that diarrhea is usually associated with water- or food-borne causative agents.
It encouraged the public to always use clean water for drinking, cooking, eating, brushing teeth, washing hands and faces, and cleaning cooking utensils.
Furthermore, the public was urged to report any change in the color or odor of their household tap water.
However, the DOH also emphasized that ensuring hydration is the first aid for diarrhea.
“Drink replacement fluids – clean water, ideally with oral rehydration solution (Oresol). Consult a doctor,” it said.
READ: Baguio City probing rising cases of gastroenteritis linked to dirty water
In a briefing where he made the announcement, Magalong said that many of the reported cases were tourists who visited the city in the first days of January.
He added that of the 218 food and beverage establishments where patients may have consumed contaminated water, 60 percent are operating in a mall in Baguio.
Meanwhile, Baguio Water District General Manager Salvador Royeca said his personnel checked the city’s deep wells and distribution system and found no problem with the pipes serving the mall.