2 dead, 50 hospitalized due to diarrhea in Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Two persons have died and 50 persons have been hospitalized due to diarrhea in six barangays in this city in the past week.

One of the fatalities is a 10-month-old baby.

Health authorities said the patients are residents of Barangays 105, 106, 107, 91-Abucay, 39-Calvary Hill and 79-Marasbaras.

City health officer Danny Ecarma said four of the patients tested positive for cholera.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez ordered the inspection of all water refilling stations and sources of drinking water in the affected barangays.

He advised residents to visit the nearest rural health unit once they experience symptoms.

Authorities have yet to declare a diarrhea outbreak.