Waterborne disease reported in Dumanjug

CEBU, Philippines - Health authorities found cases of contact dermatitis in some typhoon-affected residents in south Cebu.

Health Emergency Management Staff chief of the Department of Health-7

Dr. Expedito Medalla said the cases are manageable and has not reached alarming level.

"Kalooy sa Diyos, wala ray seryoso nga mga sakit sa lawas ang mga apektado sa bagyong Seniang. Pero duna tay mga nakita nga nag develop ug contact dermatitis sa Dumanjug kay tungod sa tubig nga sagol lapok," Medalla said.

Medicines to address minor medical conditions in Seniang-stricken will be sent today. DOH-7 also turned over Jerry cans as potable water containers to the affected local government units of Ronda, Alcantara, and Dumanjug.

Each LGU received 100 cans except for Ronda which received 150 because it is the most affected.

"Ronda mayor Nonie (Mariano) Blanco was very happy with the jerry cans. Gani, mihangyo siya nga pun-an kay mga 1,000 ang ilang gikinahanglan. Atong tan-awon pila atong mapuno," he said.

He urged the residents to boil their water before drinking to avoid waterborne disease.

"Kinahanglan gyud sad manglimpyo kay dinhi nato malikayan ang mga kagaw ug impeksyon nga muresulta sa mga sakit-sakit. Mosunod kita sa rekomendasyon sa atong lokal nga mga opisyal ingon man sa DOH," the regional health official said.

Medalla was among the representatives of the member agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council that conducted rapid damage assessment yesterday in south Cebu to check on the extent of devastation in several sectors and to also determine the assistance needed from each agency.

Agencies that participated in the inspection included Department of Environment and Natural Resources, PAGASA, Philippine National Police, Office of the Civil Defense, among others.

Chief geologist Al Emil Berador of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of DENR-7 reminded residents near reported sinkholes not to get near these caved-in limestone soil as there is a big possibility that the hole will grow bigger.

Upon the advice of DENR, these areas have been cordoned off to prevent accidents.—(FREEMAN)