Leaking pipe eyed as cause of recent Badian illnesses

CEBU, Philippines - A leaking pipe was eyed as a probable cause of the sudden rise of waterborne diseases in a mountain barangay in Badian town.

Dr. Cristina Giango, Integrated Provincial Health Office chief, said during their inspection of the water source of Barangay Tubod, they saw a leaking pipe and immediately fixed it.

“The leaking pipe, most probably, is one of the causes of the water contamination,” Giango said.

As of yesterday there were already 115 reported cases, 81 are outpatient and only 34 were admitted to the Badian District Hospital.

However, Giango said that of the 34 who landed in the hospital, 16 were already sent home.

Earlier, the victims were rushed to the hospital for vomiting, diarrhea, fever and headache.

Initial investigation disclosed that most of the victims consumed ice candy and drank ice water and juice sold in the area. Giango was informed by the sanitary inspector of Badian that food and drinks were sold outside a school campus and without permit.

This prompted the IPHO to conduct water sampling in order to determine the real cause of the disease.

Giango said they are still waiting for the results of the examination.

The IPHO team also conducted a health education seminar on the victims, their relatives and to the barangay as well, urging the residents to boil water for drinking, make sure that the food that they will eat is clean, and practice proper sanitation.

The IPHO also provided medicine to the victims such as antibiotics, dextrose and oral rehydration solutions. Giango also scheduled a talk in the affected barangay yesterday.  (FREEMAN)