PNRC: Gastroenteritis kills 3, downs 2,000 in Misamis Oriental
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/21/2008 1:21 AM
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Three people, including a one year-old girl, have died while 2,235 others were hospitalized after at least four villages in Misamis Oriental were hit by acute gastroenteritis in the last four days, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) said.
PNRC and Department of Health (DOH) officials identified the fatalities as Ronnel Calambao, 21; Jeffrey Balingiao, 31; and baby Michaela Villaluz.
The PNRC said Calambao died November 16 followed by Balingiao and baby Michaela the next day. The three died of complications related to gastroenteritis, the PNRC said.
Dr. Charina Carmencita Labrador, Red Cross-Misamis Oriental chapter officer-in-charge, said in her report to PNRC that most of the victims suffered vomiting, diarrhea and various levels of dehydration.
Labrador said the victims are residents of Clajavita, an interlocal health zone composed of four municipalities, namely: Claveria, Jasaan - Corrales,Lower Jasaan, Upper Jasaan, and Danao; Villanueva - Poblacion 1; Tagoloan - Santa Cruz , Poblacion, Baluarte, Sugbongcogon. The areas are approximately 23 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City.
Labrador said Red Cross 143 Volunteers and Community Health and Nursing Service (CHNS) staff gave patients intravenous fluids and medicines. Among the medicines were Metronidazole, Cotrimoxazole, Tetracycline and Ciprofloxacin; and Oral Fluids including Dehydrosol.
She said majority of the victims were being closely monitored in hospitals. She said the PNRC is also keeping a close watch on the affected municipalities.
"We also checked the conditions of the patients, and availability of supplies and logistics. We have checked the possible source of contamination in Napapong Spring, Corrales, Jasaan," she said.
