NORTH COTABATO, Philippines – Seventy-two persons were hospitalized for ameobiasis in Aleosan town here over the weekend.
Aleosan Mayor Vicente Suropia Jr. yesterday said the patients, all residents of Barangay Pagangan, fell ill after drinking water from a well that was believed contaminated after heavy downpour last week.
As of yesterday, 24 victims remained confined at the Aleosan District Hospital.
Miguelita Patinio, a doctor at the Aleosan District Hospital, said the patients first complained of abdominal pains and loose bowel movement.
Patinio said stool samples of the victims tested positive for amoeba.
She said health workers poured disinfectants into wells in Barangay Aleosan and nearby areas.
Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza ordered personnel from the provincial engineer’s office to look for other sources of drinking water in Barangay Pagangan to avoid a repeat of the incident.