Stool samples from 10 patients with diarrhea admitted in Baguio General Hospital have tested positive for norovirus and sapovirus.

This finding comes amid an ongoing investigation into a diarrhea outbreak in the city.

The virological testing results were released by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa.

The norovirus and sapovirus are common causes of acute gastroenteritis, often referred to as stomach flu.

The breakdown of the results is as follows:

5 samples tested positive for Norovirus

3 samples tested positive for Sapovirus

2 samples tested positive for both viruses

"They are not actually flu, but we always experience them during the cold season, and the transmission could be contamination from water and food, and they can be transmitted contact," Dr. Donnabel Panes, Baguio City Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit Officer, said.

The local health authorities have been conducting water testing, and some samples have tested positive for E. coli.

The affected water sources include food establishments, water refilling stations, households, and schools.

The local government closed down the establishments with contaminated water sources temporarily. They will be allowed to resume once their water supply tests negative for any harmful bacteria.

"Again and again, we need to repeat the testing," Dr. Celia Flor Briliantes, Baguio City Health Services Officer, said.

Despite the initial results, the investigation is ongoing, and the specific cause of the outbreak in the city has not been identified.

As of January 15, 2024, there are a total of 3,113 recorded cases in the city.

"The good news is there is a dramatic decrease in the number of patients affected by diarrhea," Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City, said.

Health authorities continue to advise the public to boil drinking water or consume purified water to prevent waterborne diseases.