ANGELES CITY – Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has ordered the city-wide inspection of water sources amid reports of diarrhea and stomach flu that already downed 27 patients now confined at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC).
There had been reports of rising cases of gastroenteritis or stomach flu in the city. The RLMMC said 27 patients suffering from diarrhea had been admitted at the city-run hospital since February 3 up to present. According to RLMMC Officer-in-Charge Dr. Froilan Canlas.
“Mataas, pero walang clustering. Raw data palang, will get more info on the cases,” said Dr. Canlas.
In Memorandum No. 370. Series of 2024, Mayor Lazatin has directed the City Health Office (CHO), General Services Office (GSO), CHO-Sanitation Division, and the Business Permit and Licensing Division to carry out inspection of water sources starting on Monday, February 5, 2024.
The inspection includes the conduct of:
Microbiological and chemical test of water from all water suppliers and water refilling stations within Angeles City, in addition to the regular tests conducted by the city;
Inspection of water at the Angeles City Hall Compound, especially at the Cooperative Canteen;
Inspection of water at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center, including the hospital canteen;
And the inspection of water in all public and private schools in Angeles City, especially in canteens and cafeterias.
Meanwhile, Dr. Verona Guevarra said the City Health Office has already coordinated with local private hospitals for the data regarding cases of stomach flu.
Earlier, Mayor Lazatin has asked the public to be “vigilant” and ensure cleanliness of their water and food sources.
Mayor Lazatin has asked Dr. Guevarra and Dr. Canlas to look into the alleged rising cases of LBM or stomach flu and to coordinate with local hospitals on the number and conditions of any patients who were admitted for intestinal infections or viral gastroenteritis.
They were also directed to seek the help of the Department of Health (DOH) if there is an outbreak of virus.
Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis or intestinal infection includes watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.
Viral gastroenteritis can be contracted through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water. Most affected are infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems.