DOH: Baguio water source contaminated

MANILA, Philippines — Amid an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in Baguio City, a water source in the city has been found to be contaminated, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

“Preliminary result showed there is this particular water source that is contaminated. It tested positive in the water test,” DOH Undersecretary Eric Tayag told a television interview yesterday.

He said the Baguio Water District, city health office and Baguio General Hospital are continuously testing other water sources in the city.

The Baguio city health office recorded 2,199 cases as of 11 a.m. yesterday. Forty-five were confined in hospitals on Wednesday night.

“We are expecting an increase in cases… The Baguio City Health Office and Mayor (Benjamin) Magalong released a QR code so it will be much faster for city residents to report diarrhea cases,” Tayag said.

While water tests are ongoing, the DOH advised residents to boil water they use for daily activities or use chlorine water-based disinfection solution or tablet.                

The DOH, through its Epidemiology Bureau and Center for Health Development-Cordillera Administrative Region, is assisting the Baguio City government in the management and control of diarrhea cases in the city.