PIA Press Release
Thursday, January 12, 2012Valencia town records increase of diarrhea cases due to Sendongby Jennifer Catan-Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 12 (PIA) -- Flashflood brought by tropical storm Sendong inflicted a significant increase on the recorded cases of diarrhea in the municipality of Valencia, according to Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Fe Tagimacruz. A total of 122 residents in some 20 villages of Valencia town were downed during the last two weeks by diarrhea incidence. Tagimacruz has alerted the residents to boil their drinking water properly or at least 20 to 30 minutes to avoid waterborne diseases. Based on initial evaluation, the incidence could have triggered by contaminated drinking water sources from an artesian or deep wells and water spring. Tagimacruz said due to the total damaged of water resources and facilities in Valencia brought by 'Sendong' on December 17 last year, the water contamination could not avoided. At present, some water resources in the town have been tested positive for E.coli bacteria. According to Department of Health (DOH), the Escherichia coli or E.coli comes from human and animal wastes and if ingested can lead to severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The presence of E. coli bacteria in the water supply can be attributed to the floods brought by Sendong which strongly hit Valencia town. Thus, local health official has urged the people in all affected areas not to drink the water from any water sources in the area until being appropriately boiled. Diarrhea-like symptoms show severe loose bowel movement, vomiting and stomachache. (PIA/JCT) | 
