Capitol warns vs. rise in gastro cases, most found in 3 cities
LINGAYEN–More than 6,000 acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases have been recorded in the province in the last eight months, 57 of which were found positive of cholera with one death, prompting the provincial government to intensify surveillance and response efforts.
In a press briefing Wednesday, Rafael Baraan, provincial administrator said most of the cases come from households using shallow tube wells as drinking water source and those without sanitation facilities.
“Everything is under control and that our regional and provincial health offices’ joint quick response team is on top of the situation, Baraan said.
He said based the team’s reports, most of the 6,350 cases occurred in August, the height of the rainy season, afflicting mostly children.
Baraan allayed fears of a repeat of the 2004 incident when more than 10,000 confirmed cholera cases were reported in the province.
Dr. Jackson Soriano, officer in charge provincial health officer, said during rainy season, AGE, which results in diarrhea and dehydration if not immediately treated, is common.
He said the team was able to detect cholera cases during random sampling for rectal swab among those afflicted with AGE.
For the period January to August, Dagupan City recorded the highest number of persons afflicted with AGE with 621, followed by San Carlos City, 565; Alaminos City, 418; Bolinao, 348; Bayambang, 333; and Mangatarem, 330.
Of the 57 found to be cholera cases, 16 are from Bayambang with one death mostly in barangay Tococ, 15 in barangay Baybay, Aguilar and 11 in different places in Bolinao.
All listed areas are known to be flood-prone and the health team is now assessing the factors that made the breeding of cholera bacteria conducive, according to Baraan.
One cholera case each was reported in San Carlos City, Mangatarem, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Sual, San Fabian, Anda and Agno. Alaminos Cit and Bani reported two were while another three were reported in Dagupan City.
Cholera causes more complications and higher morbidity and greater mortality, Soriano said, but quickly pointed out that this year’s cases should not cause undue alarm as everything is being done to arrest the problem.
AGE cases for this month have so far been declining, Soriano said. He added that cases have receded in September.#
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