Baguio City declares acute gastroenteritis outbreak. Here’s how you can protect yourself
Baguio City is in the midst of an acute gastroenteritis outbreak, prompting Mayor Benjamin Magalong to declare a state of health emergency on Wednesday.
Officials reported a spike in cases, with the number of affected individuals reaching 2,199 as of Thursday, Jan. 11. Of these, 45 were admitted to the hospital, but no severe infections were noted.
The city health office said the first reports of diarrhea emerged on Dec. 21, but it peaked during the week of Jan. 2 to 8. The majority of the cases were linked to patients who dined in a food establishment, followed by 13.2% who ordered take-out food, and 11.2% who ate home-cooked meals. The other 12 percent had other circumstances.
It was also noted that the outbreaks were associated with 218 establishments, 175 households, and residents from neighboring towns.
Baguio City health services officer Dr. Celia Flores Brillantes said on Thursday that the outbreak could be because of a bacterial infection or contamination. She noted that the investigation is still ongoing.
"Until we have finished with our water testing, and we see systems kung anong nangyayari sa water systems natin, 'di pa natin alam masyado," she said, as reported by ABS-CBN.
Brillantes noted that while the cases are rising, they have seen improvements in the number of reported cases as more people are now aware of their situation.
Magalong is calling officials and residents to work together to keep themselves from getting infected with the virus.
"As long as we do not contain this virus, the outbreak will remain, so everyone should be careful about their health. Health authorities are relentless in their investigation and analysis to find out the cause and origin of this," said Magalong.
What is gastroenteritis?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gastroenteritis, most commonly known as stomach flu, is a preventable “infection caused by a variety of germs that results in vomiting or diarrhea.”
Although it is not a serious illness, it can lead to dehydration and loss of minerals.
How can I protect myself?
To prevent getting and spreading the disease, the DOH advises the public to do the following:
- Only use purified or mineral water. You may also opt to boil tap water for two minutes
- Avoid consuming tap water or ice in drinks at restaurants. If you are eating out, bring your own water
- Always use clean water when preparing food and drinks, washing the dishes, eating, brushing teeth, and washing hands and face
- If you’re using a water filter, change them frequently
What to do if you acquired the disease?
During the press conference, Brillantes advised residents to scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/foodwaterillness to access Baguio’s “Food and Water-Related Illness Self-Reporting Form.”
You must also seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
At home, take Oresol, a type of oral rehydration solution used to replace lost water and electrolytes. “However, wag nilang pabayaan na madehydrate sila. So they really have to consult the nearest health center for this na mabigyan na rin sila ng tamang antibiotics,” Brillantes said.