Dr. Ashley Lopez, head of the Davao City Health Office. (PNA file photo)
DAVAO CITY – An employee of the City Health Office (CHO) is the fourth fatality of the continuing diarrhea outbreak in Toril District here.
In a radio interview, CHO chief, Dr. Ashley Lopez, said Monday their 23-year-old male swabber succumbed to the disease due to severe dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis on July 24.
The outbreak has claimed the lives of a 32-year-old male teacher, a 67-year-old woman, and a 10-year-old boy.
“Incidentally, last July 15, he (CHO employee) consumed tapioca at the night market in Toril after his duty. After 24 hours, he manifested symptoms, such as vomiting, loose bowel movement, and abdominal pain,” Lopez said.
The victim was then admitted to an infirmary where he stayed for three days before returning to his boarding house for rest and recovery.
“Upon returning to his base, the symptoms are still manifesting. He was then admitted to a private hospital in Toril and stayed for five to six days and unfortunately, he didn’t make it and succumbed to the disease,” he said.
Lopez said two others who were with the victim when they ate the tapioca survived the disease without needing hospitalization.
Last week, the city government suspended the operation of the Toril night market until health authorities make a confirmation based on testing of the samples from various food stalls. The tests will be conducted by the CHO, Davao City Water District, and the Department of Health.
Lopez said as of Sunday, the total number of diarrhea cases stood at 261.
He said it is also possible that floodwater or the overflowing of water after heavy rain was the source of the contamination.
“It cannot be avoided that soil, garbage, and others will contaminate your water, especially if there is a leak. This is the culprit of diarrhea, amoeba, and others, not only in Davao but all other areas,” Lopez said.
He noted that because water is a possible source of contamination, the CHO revoked the operating licenses of two ice plants in Toril.
“We do not want to close any businesses but these two (ice plants) have violated environment protection and their water source is (possibly contaminated),” Lopez said.
“In Toril, it has already a mixed infection – contamination on food, water, and hygiene.”
He urged the public to boil tap water for drinking as a guarantee to kill bacteria, and to wash their hands thoroughly before handling food. (PNA)
