Diarrhea outbreak in Zambo City traced to three viruses

Health officials are looking at at least three viruses behind the diarrhea outbreak that affected over 1,000 patients in Zamboanga City over the past few weeks, according to a report on Balitanghali on Tuesday.

Dr. Rodel Agbulos said tests conducted by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) revealed the presence of rotavirus and adenovirus, along with the earlier suspected norovirus, in the patients.

"We are not only dealing with one kind of virus, there are still other virus[es]. Actually, some of the patients, niche infections na siya. Meron siyang two virus[es] in one patient," Agbulos said.

He said the presence of more than one virus was highly unusual especially since this was the first time norovirus was detected in Zamboanga and Mindanao.

"What is usually common is the rotavirus and rotavirus, in fact, DOH (Department of Health) meron tayong vaccine for rotavirus but not for norovirus," Agbulos explained.

The water rationing due to El Nino aggravated the spread of norovirus, a highly contagious but rarely fatal disease contracted by consuming contaminated food and water or coming into contact with infected persons and surfaces.

Local health and government officials are coordinating with the DOH to chlorinate the water supply, distribute oral rehydration salts, impress the importance of proper personal hygiene, and open additional health centers.

"We will be activating our major health centers in the region of Zamboanga to accommodate patients to rehydrate them," Agbulos said.

Agbulos speculated that the actual number of patients with diarrhea may actually exceed the recorded number as some patients were out on observation.

Rotavirus decreases urination and induces dry mouth, throat, and dizziness within two days of infection and vomiting and watery diarrhea notably among young children and infants.

It displays similar symptoms with norovirus, which manifests through severe stomach flu, diarrhea, vomiting, low fever, and headaches.

Adenovirus displays similar symptoms and is spread through the same means, though its symptoms extend to colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, and pink eye. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News