6 dead as diarrhea cases hit Dumagat tribe in Quezon

BATANGAS, Philippines – The Department of Health Calabarzon office and the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) are investigating the cause of diarrhea cases among members of the Dumagat tribe in Quezon, which have led to at least six deaths in less than two weeks.

According to the DOH, 38 diarrhea cases were recorded from September 26 to October 6 in Barangay Upper Lumutan in General Nakar town, of whom six died of severe dehydration.

DOH Calabarzon chief Ariel Valencia said they were working closely with IPHO to provide the necessary assistance to the affected barangay.

“We are saddened by what happened to our Dumagat natives where many have lost their lives because they were not immediately diagnosed and taken to our primary health care facility,” he added

On September 26, the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) received the first report on the fatality caused by severe dehydration.

On October 1, the General Nakar rural health unit (RHU was successful in reaching the affected area and conducted a rapid assessment. During their follow-up investigation, they were informed of five more diarrhea deaths due to dehydration.

“The first death had watery stools, abdominal pain, and vomiting and was brought to RHU Tanay but was already declared dead on arrival. The same symptoms were observed in 5 other patients from Barangay Lumutan General Nakar in the previous consultation in RHU Tanay” said RESU Head John Bobbie Roca.

“Among the signs and symptoms observed in patients were fever, abdominal pain, watery stool, and joint pain, and some had coughs and colds,” he added.

DOH Calabarzon has sent medicine and other needed supplies to the RHU.

The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) and its sanitary inspector have also conducted a rapid case investigation. Based on the Initial findings, the diarrhea cases were due to amoebiasis. DOH Calabarzon is still awaiting the laboratory findings.

Diarrhea is often due to food or water that has been contaminated by feces, or directly from another infected person.

DOH Calabarzon has outlined ways on how to avoid diarrhea:

1. Drink water only from safe sources. If unsure, boil water for three minutes or do water chlorination.
2. Eat only well-cooked and properly prepared food. Avoid eating street vended food.
3. Shield food away from insects and rodents through food covers.
4. Wash your hands frequently. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
5. Patients may be given an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORESOL), rice soup (am) to replace lost body fluid.

If diarrhea persists, consult the nearest health center. – Rappler.com