BAGUIO CITY: The local government of Baguio City has declared an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis. The announcement came after a significant rise in cases, totaling approximately 1,602 by Wednesday afternoon.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a 'Ugnayan' briefing led by the Public Information Office and broadcast live on the city's Facebook page, he confirmed the outbreak status. The city's local government unit (LGU) data indicated that about 729 individuals sought hospital treatment, with a notable number of pediatric cases.
Magalong has initiated a comprehensive investigation, including water testing from all 67 sources managed by the Baguio Water District (BWD). Three laboratories – the BWD laboratory, the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center laboratory, and the City Health Services Office laboratory – are analyzing water samples.
The mayor explained that while confirmatory test results will take three days, immediate measures are being taken using total dissolved solid (TDS) testing equipment. Any source exceeding acceptable standards will be promptly shut down.
Testing will encompass water sources from BWD, private water refilling stations, 218 food establishments identified by victims as their last dining locations, and 175 households of individuals who reported gastrointestinal issues despite not eating out. Of these establishments, 80 are inside SM City Baguio, and 134 are located elsewhere in the city.
The city government has implemented a self-reporting system via a QR code, allowing individuals to report current or past gastrointestinal symptoms. This initiative aims to assist in the investigation and gauge the outbreak's extent.
Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, head of the city health services office, advised the public during the press conference to avoid drinking tap water and instead opt for mineral water or boil water thoroughly. She urged those experiencing symptoms like loose bowel movement, headache, stomach pain, or vomiting to seek medical help immediately to prevent complications.
Brillantes emphasized the importance of oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration and the need for medical intervention to treat the underlying cause of the stomach issues. She noted that reports of gastrointestinal problems began as early as December 20 but were not significantly noticed until a surge in cases recently.
Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes, head of the city's Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, reported similar gastrointestinal issues in residents of neighboring towns La Trinidad and Tuba, Benguet, who consumed food from Baguio-based establishments or home-cooked meals. Consequently, Baguio City is collaborating with adjacent local governments for potential water source testing.
Mayor Magalong stressed the city's coordination efforts with neighboring localities to address the situation comprehensively.