DOH confirms diarrhea outbreak in Davao Occidental; contaminated water likely the cause

The Department of Health (DOH) Davao on Sunday confirmed an outbreak of diarrhea in Davao Occidental, which local health authorities said was likely caused by contaminated water.

Three people were earlier reported to have died after 34 residents of Barangay Butuan, Jose Abad Santos were hospitalized. 

Municipal health officer Dr. Amparo Lachica said “the probable source of infection is through contaminated water” after conducting initial investigation.

“A team from the RESU (Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit) is set to visit the affected barangay to collect appropriate specimens and continue the investigation together,” the DOH said in a statement.

The department added that its regional office has provided medicines and IV fluids to the Tomas Lachica District Hospital, where the patients were admitted, as well as water storage cans and chlorine granules for the affected barangay.

“DOH would like to reiterate to the public once again the importance of safe-drinking water, use of improved sanitation, and hand washing with soap can reduce the risk of diarrhea,” it said.

“If anyone is experiencing three or more loose or liquid stools per day, this must be reported immediately to the nearest facility for immediate health interventions,” the DOH added. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News