Twenty-five water samples collected in San Carlos City on Wednesday and Thursday, March 1 and 2, tested positive for bacteria, Joe Recalex Alingasa Jr., City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer, said Friday.
Six of the samples were positive for E. Coli and 18 for coliform, he said.
The Department of Health (DOH) teams are assisting the San Carlos City government in conducting tests of its water sources to stem the rise in its acute gastroenteritis and amoebiasis cases.
San Carlos Mayor Renato Gustilo has directed the city waterworks department to intensify chlorination in areas with contaminated water sources, Alingasa said.
On Friday there were seven new patients admitted at the San Carlos City Hospital, four of whom were positive for amoebiasis, Alingasa said.
San Carlos has recorded 628 gastroenteritis and amoebiasis cases, and two deaths, from January to March, he added.
The Philippine Red Cross is conducting a hygiene promotion campaign in San Carlos City’s barangays.*
