Capillariasis epidemic declared in Zambo town
Officials of Siayan, a second-class municipality, have already declared a state of calamity as the disease infected more than 221 people this month alone.
The regional office of the DOH’s Center for Health and Development based here reported that 94 other cases were recorded from July to October.
Capillariasis, according to the DOH, is a disease caused by an intestinal parasite called capillaria philippinensis that is acquired from eating raw freshwater fish and shrimps carrying the tiny worms.
Dr. Edgardo Gonzaga, DOH-Region 9 assistant director, said stool samples from at least 30 of the 221 patients tested positive for the parasite.
A joint medical team has been deployed in Siayan to assist the patients who have complained about stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
He said at least 13 patients suffering from dehydration and showing symptoms of capillariasis are confined in a hospital in nearby Sindangan town.
Siayan residents have been brought to a holding area where they were given medical consultations. Officials have also launched a health education drive to prevent the spread of the disease.
Local officials said the villagers normally consume fingerlings of the freshwater fish lupisan, which could possibly have caused the disease.
Capillariasis was first discovered in the country in 1963 from a male patient in Baccara, Ilocos Norte where an epidemic spread to 23 towns.
Gonzaga said Siayan residents have been advised to properly cook their dishes, avoid eating raw fish and observe proper sanitation to contain the spread of the disease.
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