CEBU, Philippines - The rectal swab of the diarrhea victims and water sample taken from Badian town were positive of coliform bacteria according to the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
IPHO chief, Dr. Cristina Giango, however said that the water from the source in barangay Tubod, Badian is now being used by residents after an improvised chlorinator was installed.
IPHO chief, Dr. Cristina Giango, however said that the water from the source in barangay Tubod, Badian is now being used by residents after an improvised chlorinator was installed.
Coliform bacteria are commonly used as bacterial indicator of sanitary quality of foods and water.
Coliforms can be found in the aquatic environment, in soil and on vegetation. They are also in the feces of warm-blooded animals.
Local health officials declared a diarrhea outbreak in Badian after cases increased to 133.
As of yesterday, Giango said that 10 are still confined at Badian District Hospital out of the 44 admitted.
Initial investigation disclosed that most of the victims who are schoolchildren of Tubod Elementaty School consumed ice candy and drank ice water and juice sold in the area.
It was also learned that food and drinks were sold outside the school campus without sanitary permit.
Giango said that the foods sold outside the school campus were not the cause of the disease as those residents who did not buy from there were also affected.
Tablets of tryclosene sodium and a water disinfectant that dissolves in 20 liters of water were distributed to Tubod households.
Check-ups and medicines are also given for free.
Giango said there were some residents who haven’t sought consultation or check-up in their health centers.
This prompted them to mobilize all their rural health officers in Badian town to go house to house in barangay Tubod.
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 they eat is clean, and practice proper sanitation. (FREEMAN)
© The Freeman
Coliforms can be found in the aquatic environment, in soil and on vegetation. They are also in the feces of warm-blooded animals.
Local health officials declared a diarrhea outbreak in Badian after cases increased to 133.
As of yesterday, Giango said that 10 are still confined at Badian District Hospital out of the 44 admitted.
Initial investigation disclosed that most of the victims who are schoolchildren of Tubod Elementaty School consumed ice candy and drank ice water and juice sold in the area.
It was also learned that food and drinks were sold outside the school campus without sanitary permit.
Giango said that the foods sold outside the school campus were not the cause of the disease as those residents who did not buy from there were also affected.
Tablets of tryclosene sodium and a water disinfectant that dissolves in 20 liters of water were distributed to Tubod households.
Check-ups and medicines are also given for free.
Giango said there were some residents who haven’t sought consultation or check-up in their health centers.
This prompted them to mobilize all their rural health officers in Badian town to go house to house in barangay Tubod.
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 they eat is clean, and practice proper sanitation. (FREEMAN)
© The Freeman