Gastroenteritis cases in Pangasinan up by 65%
LINGAYEN—Parents, watch where your kids play!
The Provincial Health Office issued the alert after it noted that acute gastroenteritis cases among children have increased by 65 percent, and many of the cases happen during summertime.
Dr. Anna de Guzman, provincial health officer, said there are 2,530 diarrhea cases recorded in their Surveillance Updates across Pangasinan as of March 27, 2018 compared to last year’s record of the same period with 1,519 cases, a 65 percent increase.
She said four persons have died this year due to severe dehydration while six died last year. The casualties this year are one each from Bugallon and Lingayen towns and two in Dagupan City.
Most of those affected are aged less than one year old to four years old, she said.
She added this age bracket is composed of kids who play in their homes or in their backyards, put their dirty hands inside their mouth and drink dirty water.
She said food preparation is also important, especially with babies using feeding bottles and baby pacifiers.
“Be sure to wash them when their pacifiers or bottles fall on the ground,” De Guzman said.
The top municipalities and cities that are under Provincial Health Office watchlist due to acute gastro enteritis are San Carlos City with 259 cases, Calasiao (203), Malasiqui (171), Sta. Barbara (133), Mangaldan (119), Mangatarem (108), Urdaneta City (100), Lingayen (92), San Fabian (89) and Binmaley (88). (Eva Visperas)
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