GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, March 15 (PIA) – The recent outbreak in one village in the municipality of Motiong, Samar that affected 208 individuals is now under control, the Department of Health regional office officially announced in Tuesday.
In a press conference held at DOH-8 conference room, regional director Minerva P. Molon attributed this to the immediate intervention by health authorities, the support of the local government units in addition to the massive information drive conducted by the surveillance unit of the DOH to the residents.
To recall, on February 22, 2017, the village of Maypange celebrated the founding anniversary attended by the residents where packed foods prepared by barangay officials were distributed to the participants. However, a number of residents complained of abdominal pains and diarrhea.
At the time of the inspection, health authorities found out that the foods were prepared one day before the event and was unrefrigerated which might caused bacterial growth, and the water used in cooking came from a developed spring unsafe for drinking.
Aside from these, there were presence of paints, hallow blocks, garbage and other construction materials inside the barangay hall where foods were left open that might have resulted to the transmission of microorganisms.
Cases range from one year old to 80 years old and four were hospitalized at Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City.
With this, DOH is advising the public especially food handlers to observe safe steps in handling, cooking and storage of food to prevent foodborne diseases as well as clean hands, separate raw from cooked foods, cook at the right temperature and chill or refrigerate foods promptly.
Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools or frequent need to have a bowel movement for three or more times caused by a contaminated food and drinking water.
