A diarrhea outbreak has been reported in Toril area in Davao City with 61 diarrhea cases as of Tuesday, July 19, including 24 admitted patients and 13 that are currently being verified.
The latest case count increased from the 40 reported cases on July 18. The first case was recorded on July 15. No fatalities have been reported yet.
Among the cases is a six-month old baby, while the majority or 39 of the cases are women.
The City Health Office confirmed that two more barangays have reported diarrhea cases.
Authorities are looking into the possibility of contaminated water and food poisoning after several patients recalled eating street food and tapioca dessert.
The rectal swab results of the patients have yet to be released.
Meanwhile, the Davao City Water District said in a statement that their water supply is negative from E. coli bacteria following sampling and testing conducted in 10 representative stations.
The public has been advised to avoid consuming unboiled water and to observe proper handwashing practices. –Report from Clodet Loreto (PTV Davao) -ag