DOH-7 tracing illness source

The Department of Health in Central Visayas is trying to find the source of diarrhea that downed at least 80 dancers from Toledo City, who performed in the Pasigarbo Festival on Monday.

Samples of food and water which  the dancers ahd for  breakfast were  sent to the Department of Science and Technology in Central Visayas (DOST-7) to determine their bacteriological content, said Dr. Expedito Medalla, head of the DOH- Regional Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit.

“Diarrhea is often caused by contamination of food and water,” Medalla said.

He advised organizers of large group  activities to make sure that the food they serve is freshly prepared to avoid possible food poisoning.

Medalla said 80 of the 100 dancers of the Hinulawan Festival of Toledo City suffered mild diarrhea.

He said diarrhea caused by bacteria would often manifest at least three hours after eating.

Meanwhile, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia commended the Hinulawan Festival dancers for performing during the Pasigarbo Festival despite their illness.

Garcia said  the dancers showed the “true spirit of a Cebuano.”

“Despite the difficulty they faced, they did what they had to do because it was their responsibility. And they did it because it involved  Toledo City’s pride. They set aside their discomfort and  pain  to give a world-class performance,” she said in Cebuano.

“That’s the heart of a true champion,” she added. Garcia also said that the diarrhea incident wasn’t to be taken lightly.

“It’s a logistical nightmare. What is the cause? That should be investigated,” she said. /Reporter Candeze R. MOngaya and Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus