SAFE DRINKING WATER. Personnel of the Albay Provincial Health Office (PHO) distribute safe drinking water to villagers in this undated photo. A woman, a senior citizen and a 4-year-old girl died in Rapu-Rapu town this July while 57 people were hospitalized due to diarrhea traced to unsafe drinking water. (Photo courtesy of Albay PHO)
LEGAZPI CITY – A senior citizen, a woman and a four-year-old girl died while 57 individuals from Barangays Manila and Gaba in Rapu-Rapu town, Albay province were hospitalized due to diarrhea traced to unsafe drinking water, the Albay Provincial Health Office (PHO) said on Thursday.
In an interview, Jan Edmund Dominic Bailon, Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) chief, said of the 57 people, 26 have recovered and 31 patients are still under medication.
"The 73-year-old male died last July 20 due to severe dehydration, while another victim is a 32-year-old female who died last July 19 and still waiting for the death certificate. The latest death we recorded was the four-year-old female from Barangay Gaba who died Wednesday (July 26)," he said.
Bailon said the diarrhea cases in the island town started last July 6.
"Water samples were submitted to the Bicol South Luzon - Sub National Reference Laboratory - Molecular Lab (BSL-SNRL). Based on the results, it is noted that the water is not safe for drinking. The residents are not aware of the condition of their water source with low acceptance of aqua tabs as a form of disinfection for their drinking water," he said.
Authorities did not cite a specific reason for the poor water quality but Bailon noted that not all households in Rapu-Rapu have toilet facilities.
He also said a rectal swab examination was conducted on 11 patients and one of them was isolated after being found to be positive for the pathogen Vibrio cholerae, an organism responsible for cholera which is a highly contagious diarrheal disease.
Diarrhea is characterized by frequent, loose, watery stool. It is a symptom rather than an illness in and of itself, and it can be caused by a few things, such as infections, food problems, reactions to medications and underlying medical problems.
Bailon said when someone experiences diarrhea, their bowel motions increase frequently and become more liquid.
"The stool's consistency could be odd, ranging from watery and loose to semi-formed. Along with other symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and the need to go to the bathroom right away, diarrhea can also be associated with these types of symptoms," he said.
The PHO-Albay said preventing diarrhea involves practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly and frequently, especially before preparing, or consuming food and after using the bathroom. It is also essential to ensure the consumption of safe and properly cooked food and drinking clean and safe water.
"Treatment for diarrhea depends on its underlying cause. In many cases, acute diarrhea resolves on its own without specific treatment. Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate acute diarrhea symptoms but should be used under medical guidance. If diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like high fever, severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, or dehydration signs, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly," Bailon said.
He said they already delivered 260 jerrycans of clean drinking water to the residents of the two affected villages. (PNA)
