Diarrhea outbreak in Siargao contained –LGU

The diarrhea outbreak in Siargao that killed at least seven people has been contained, the provincial government said.

According to a Sunday 24 Oras Weekend report, of 120 patients confined at the Siargao District Hospital due to diarrhea and vomiting, there were only 80 patients left who needed treatment.

Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco “Lalo” Matugas said on Thursday that the hospital became “overwhelmed”

Matugas added that they were having a hard time getting supplies of drinking water as Typhoon Odette had left only a limited number of undamaged boats and vessels available to transport relief goods from Surigao City to Siargao.

The provincial government also noted that another factor that may have caused the diarrhea outbreak was that residents were not able to wash their hands properly.

Matugas then asked for donations of medicines and dextrose as the hospital lacked supplies for all the patients.

At least 19 fatalities were reported on Siargao Island following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette. — Giselle Ombay/DVM, GMA News