NEWS: Diarrhea outbreak hits Compostela Valley

What could have caused such a calamity?

Immediate investigation of the factors leading to this incident must be conducted without delay. afterwhich, the public must be informed in order to avoid the recurrence of such a life-threatening outbreak.

Compostela Valley province is known to be host to a number of developmental projects that pose threats on the health and life of its residents.

We are hoping that this problem will be addressed, not only by providing the sick the medication they need as of the moment, but by curtailing environmental and health hazards wrought by mining, banana plantations, and other disastrous projects.

---

Diarrhea outbreak hits Compostela Valley

by Ben O. Tesiorna

DAVAO CITY -- Close to 800 residents of Maragusan town in Compostela Valley suffered from diarrhea believed to have been caused by contaminated water supply. The outbreak forced the local government to declare a state of calamity in the said town. Residents started seeking medical assistance since July 19.

Most of them rushed to hospitals that were soon filled to the brims, thus the town gymnasium had to be used.

Governor Arturo "Chiongkee" Uy, however, said the situation is now under control. He said both the municipal and provincial governments have already mobilized health workers and doctors to the area and have requested the assistance of the Department of Health (DOH) for help in determining the source of the outbreak.

"We have enough medicines," Uy said. As of Friday, Maragusan Mayor Cesar Colina said the number of affected individuals has started declining. Based on the last count, a total of 773 residents were affected by diarrhea.

There are still 206 persons admitted in hospitals while 171 others have already been discharged. About 540 residents, on the other hand, were treated as outpatients. Also, no casualty was reported as of Friday.

Of the total number of patients, 68 percent came from Barangay Poblacion; 10 percent from Mauswagon; Bagong Silang, seven percent; New Katipunan, four percent; and Mapawa, two percent.

The remaining nine percent was unidentified. Dr. Efren Pates of the Maragusan municipal office said they are still investigating the possible sources of the bacteria that caused the diarrhea outbreak. He said they are specifically checking on the water sources of the affected barangays as an outbreak of such extent indicates a common and widely available carrier. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)