115 cases of diarrhea hit Badian barangay

AT least 115 cases of diarrhea hit a barangay in Badian town, southern Cebu in the last four days.

Leaking water pipes in the rural water system  in barangay Tubod are suspected to be a cause of the rash of loose bowel movement.

Preliminary results of water sampling will be out today.

Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) head, Dr. Cristina Giango told reporters that despite this number, the situation is “under control” because  victims sought  early medical care at the Badian District Hospital.

Most of the patients come from the  Tubod Elementary School.

“Dili man ingon nga grabe ang kalibanga. Ang nakaayo lang nila, ni-deretso na sila sa district hospital, she said.

(The situation is not that bad. The good thing is that those who got afflicted immediately seeked treatment at the district hospital.)

Out of the 115 cases, 81 were out patients while 34 are admitted.

Of the 34 admitted, 16 were discharged and 18 are still confined at the Badian District Hospital.

Giango, who visited the area last Saturday, said that they suspect the the diarrhea  was caused by the leaks in the water pipes of the barangay’s water system.

The cases were first reported on Friday.

She said the municipality of Badian immediately repaired the leaks on  Saturday.

She, however, is not discounting contaminated food as a cause since most of those who fell ill are from Tubod Elementary School.

Giango advised residents to maintain sanitation at all times.

She said that means proper disposal of human waste and making  sure that food, and the people preparing food, stay clean. /Carmel Loise Matus, Correspondent