Bacolod City had 203 acute gastroenteritis cases from September to October with seven deaths, Dr. Grace Tan, City Health Office Environmental Sanitation Division head, said Friday, October 28.
The deaths were in barangays 40, Alijis, Bata, Cabug, Estefania, Mansilingan and Tangub, she said.
The age range of those infected by the food and water borne disease were 11 to 80 years old, she added.
Gastroenteritis symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and fever lack of energy and dehydration may also occur.
The number of cholera cases in Bacolod from September to October remained at 13 with no deaths, she added. All 13 patients have recovered, she said.
The cholera cases were in barangays Alijis – three, Handumanan, Granada and Sum-ag – two each, Mansilingan, Tangub, 40 and Banago – one each.
The total water refilling stations inspected were 240 and 110 had no permits, she said.
Tan said to avoid food and water borne diseases practice:
Wa- use safe and potable WATER for drinking and domestic use. Ask assistance from barangay for chlorination of community water source; and
S- observe and practice SANITATION at all times through proper waste disposal, encourage and promote Zero Open Defecation;
H- exercise and make HYGIENE a habit. Wash hands before preparing food, before and after eating, after changing diapers or caring for the sick or pets, wash vegetables and fruits well, cook food thoroughly, avoid contact of raw foods with cooked ones;
“And seek early treatment if bowel movement is more than three times a day with or vomiting. Avoid dehydration. Consult your nearest Barangay Health Station or your attending physician,” Tan said.*
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 07 on Friday allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings , except in healthcare facilities, medical transport, and public transportation by land, air or sea.
Mask wearing is still encouraged for the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, unvaccinated individuals and symptomatic individuals, the president said.*