Health authorities in earthquake-stricken Manay, Davao Oriental are monitoring closely the patients affected by acute watery diarrhea after at least 40 cases were recorded from several barangays in the town.

According to the information officer of the town, 11 cases were reported in Barangay Cayawan, 11 in Barangay Zaragoza, 10 in Barangay Central, seven in Barangay San Isidro, and four in Barangay Guza.

The Municipal Health Office continues to provide medical treatment to patients and is coordinating with other agencies to arrest the rise in the number of cases.

Contaminated water is believed to be the cause of the illness, as most residents reportedly get their drinking water from local reservoirs.

The provincial government said earlier that the Provincial Health Office (PHO) has stepped up efforts to address clean water and sanitation concerns after tests showed that water in some areas affected by the recent earthquakes was contaminated and need treatment.

The provincial government said water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) operations have been ramped up after assessments conducted in Manay and Tarragona towns found that water and sanitation systems need treatment and improvement.