ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS OUTBREAK DECLARED IN BAGUIO

MAYOR Benjamin Magalong has declared an outbreak of gastroenteritis in Baguio City following reports of an increase in the number of cases to more than a thousand on January 10, 2023.

“I would like to officially declare that we have an outbreak,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong said during the Public Information Office-led “Ugnayan” briefing on Wednesday.

According to the city government, in 2022, only 20 cases of food and water-borne diseases were recorded in  Baguio.  In 2023, the number rose to 34.

However, in just the first three weeks of 2024,  as of 3 p.m. on Wednesday, the city recorded 1,602 cases of diarrhea prompting Magalong to declare an outbreak.

Based on a data of the local government unit, around 729 of the victims went to hospitals and most of the victims were children.

Magalong said he has ordered a thorough investigation through testing of water from all 67 sources of the Baguio Water District (BWD). 

Three water testing laboratories — the Baguio Water District (BWD) laboratory, the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) laboratory, and the City Health Services Office laboratory — are all working on the result of the water samples. 

According to Magalong, 218 food establishments were mentioned as the last place where the victims ate.

He said 80 of the establishments where the victims said they ate prior to experiencing gastrointestinal issues are located inside SM City Baguio while 134 are outside the mall. 

The mayor said 175 households where some of the victims who did not eat out but still suffered from gastrointestinal problems reside will all be subjected to testing. 

People who experienced gastrointestinal problems can report their condition using a QR code or a self reporting scheme or if they have already recovered. 

The reports will help the local government on its investigation and aid in checking the magnitude of the outbreak. 

City health services office chief Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes advised the public to avoid drinking water directly from the tap and instead “drink mineral water or better to boil the water properly.”

“We urge everyone experiencing loose bowel movement, headache, stomach pain, or vomiting to seek medical assistance from the nearest health facility to avoid other complications,” she said. 

The city health office head said oral rehydration solution must be taken to avoid dehydration. She advised victims to seek medical services to address the bacteria or virus-causing stomach problems.

According to Brillantes, reports of gastrointestinal problems started as early as December 20 but was not detected until the cases spike just recently.