Four more hit by diarrhea in Sogod

CEBU, Philippines - Four more people suffering from diarrhea were admitted yesterday to the Sogod District Hospital, bringing the total number of diarrhea cases to 14 with one death.

Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit officer Rennan Cimafranca said the fatality was a 69-year-old woman who died because of dehydration.

Cimafranca said yesterday they went to the adjacent barangay of Makaat, Catmon town, which reported four patients from the barangay.

He added they cannot yet declare an outbreak since there have been few patients reported.

Water samples were gathered in Makaat, he said results may be out on Wednesday.

Provincial Health officer Dr. Cristina Giango also sent a team to Makaat to check the patients and the surroundings where they live. She said they already got water samples from the place which were found positive of bacteria that caused diarrhea.

Giango said the residents should always put chlorine in their water or boil it before drinking. She added that if possible, people should drink bottled water instead.

Meanwhile, in Alegria town there were some cases of typhoid fever admitted to the hospital of the town but Cimafranca said these are not so serious.

He also added the septic tank located in a school near the water source was one of the reasons of the typhoid fever experienced by the resident in the place. There are plans with the school to move the septic tank. —  (FREEMAN)