GenSan rivers negative of poliovirus

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Rivers and other waterways here are free from poliovirus based on recent tests on water samples conducted by the City Health Office (CHO), an official said.

Dr. Mely Lastimoso, head of CHO’s epidemiology and surveillance unit, said the city’s main waterways remained negative of the virus that causes poliomyelitis and other harmful contaminants.

Lastimoso said the CHO regularly commissions water sampling in rivers traversing the city to check for the possible presence of disease-causing microorganisms and contaminants.

At least five major rivers -- Silway-Klinan, Makar, Sinawal, Tinagacan and Buayan -- traverse the city.

But Lastimoso said the city is still considered vulnerable to the spread of polio due to its high migration rate and vast coastal waters.

She said they are currently monitoring local communities, especially those settled by migrants from other localities, for the possible emergence of the disease.

“We can’t be complacent with this disease because many people are coming in on a daily basis,” she told reporters.

She urged parents to cooperate with rural health personnel for the upcoming massive vaccination activities in the city against polio for children aged five years and below.

Dr. Rochelle Oco, CHO head, said she instructed rural health units and local hospitals to closely monitor possible cases of polio.

Oco said they received a report early this week about a suspected case involving a 14-year-old boy but noted that some of the exhibited symptoms also indicate a different disease.

She said the suspected case is reportedly from Purok Masagana in Barangay Baluan.

“There are signs of weakness and paralysis but we can’t make any conclusion yet if these are attributable to polio,” Oco said.

She said they already sent fecal samples from the patient to the Department of Health central office for testing. (PNA)