Diarrhea has struck 173 residents in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, due to a contaminated water source, Mayor Ella Garcia Yulo confirmed on Thursday, Dec. 11.
The spring water source in Barangay Inolingan, Moises Padilla, was found positive for E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria, the mayor said.
Medicines and drinking water have been provided to residents living in the affected area, she added.
The affected residents reportedly started experiencing symptoms on December 1.
Among those affected were evacuees and residents outside evacuation centers, the Municipal Health Office reported.
Garcia-Yulo said that last week, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Municipal Health Office conducted consultations and distributed medicines to those affected.
Residents are strongly advised to boil their drinking water for their safety, she said.*