The Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) has recorded an increase in diarrhea cases due to possible water contamination amid the dry spell experienced in the city.

ZCMC data showed that 41 cases were recorded in February 2024, higher than the 29 cases logged in January 2024.

According to ZCMC, drinking unsafe water may cause diarrhea due to bacterial contamination.

Among the factors in bacterial contamination is poor sanitation, which is possibly compromised by water shortage as the city continues to experience El Niño, the ZCMC added.

“Pagkulang tayo ng tubig medyo compromise yung sanitation natin…so nako-compromise ang paglilinis ng plato instead na mabanlawan ng ilang beses, dahil sa tipid siguro pwedeng maapektuhan that may cause kumbaga more bacteria na pwedeng makacause ng diarrhea,” ZCMC spokesperson, Dr. Shadrina Sarapuddin, said.

Health experts urged the public to boil the water before drinking, to stay hydrated when diarrhea is experienced, and consult a doctor for medication.

“So there are also other way of water sterilization, you can boil the water let it boil for 15 minutes na kumukulo then hayaan pong kumulo for 10-15 minutes bago po patayin ang apoy , let it settle then i transfer sa clean container,” Sarapuddin added.