2 dead, 408 hit by diarrhea in Caraga
TWO died while 408 villagers were affected by the diarrhea outbreak in Caraga, Davao Oriental.
Local health authorities said an 11-month-old baby and a 57-year-old man succumbed to the disease.
Affected residents, mostly from Bgy. Santiago, have reached to 408.
Health and village officials blamed the outbreak to contaminated water.
They believe that busted pipes and floodings brought by the recent weeks of non-stop rains have polluted the water source in the village.
Davao Oriental Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang said residents are now conducting a clean-up drive and chloronation of the water source.
“May mga gamot tayong pinadala, na kung saan pwedeng ilagay sa tubig para pwedeng mainom. So, no need magkaroon ng rasyon ng tubig dahil tine-treat na natin ‘yung mga tubig na iniinom nila,” the governor said.
He said they will conduct a regular cleaning of the water reservoir to ensure the safety of the residents.
Municipal Health Office head Dr. Chris Anthony Limen earlier warned villagers on drinking water from the faucets. He advised them to drink distilled or purified water instead.
The local government has sent a team from the Provincial Health Office to respond to the diarrhea outbreak.
