5 dead in Monkayo diarrhea outbreak

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Five persons have died due to a diarrhea outbreak in Barangay Pasian in Monkayo, Davao de Oro.

At least 234 people were downed by diarrhea as of 2:30 p.m. yesterday, according to Mayor Ramil Gentugaya.

The Monkayo municipal government and Department of Health-Davao office are investigating what caused the outbreak, Davao de Oro Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy told The STAR.

A state of calamity was declared in Barangay Pasian on Thursday.

“We are still investigating the incident although it was traced to the water source, which had E. coli,” Uy said.

He said authorities are also looking into the source of water in the barangay, which could be contaminated with chemicals used in a rubber tree plantation in the area.

“We are waiting for six to eight more days for the result of the examination of water samples,” Uy said.

He said the local government is providing potable water to affected areas to ensure the outbreak will not spread to neighboring barangays.