DIARRHEA OUTBREAK. Residents in Barangay Napungas in Asuncion town, Davao del Norte province, are being treated at the barangay hall after a diarrhea outbreak that started on Aug. 10, 2022. The disease has so far affected 126 people. (Photo courtesy of Mariolito Maneja FB page)
DAVAO CITY – At least 143 people were downed by a diarrhea outbreak at Barangay Napungas in Asuncion, Davao del Norte province, an official said Thursday.
“No casualty was recorded and most of the victims are adults,” said Barangay Napungas village chair Mariolito Maneja in an interview.
As 3 p.m. Thursday, he said two villagers are admitted at the barangay health center, five at the Kapalong town district hospital, 53 stayed at home, and 83 have already recovered.
Maneja said the diarrhea cases started on Aug. 10.
Until Thursday, patients experiencing abdominal pains were still being treated.
Seven of the 10 areas in the village were affected by the disease, at least 30 percent of them children.
Based on the confirmatory test from the Provincial Health Office on Thursday, Maneja said the village's drinking water is infected by bacteria.
“Bacteria were present in the water they used. However, the most number of bacteria were found on our supply, which is from a spring,” he said.
Maneja said the Department of Health has sent medicines for the victims.
He urged his constituents to boil the water before drinking. (PNA)
