Palawan diarrhea outbreak worsens; DOH orders deeper probe

Amid reports that more victims were feared dead in a diarrhea outbreak that hit parts of Palawan province, the Health Department has ordered a deeper investigation into the incident. On Tuesday, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said he wants a comprehensive mapping of the areas where the outbreak occurred, and testing of the water there. "I just received an initial report from the health office in Palawan Monday night. We are comprehensively looking into the water source as a possible cause of the outbreak," Ona said in an interview on dzRH radio. On Monday, initial radio reports indicated the outbreak occurred in Culandanum village in Bataraza town – a remote area in southern Palawan. It said at least 16 people were feared dead in the outbreak. But on Tuesday, a report by dzBB's Palawan affiliate cited information that the death toll could go up to 49, with diarrhea cases reported in more areas. Ona said it is possible that the potable water in the area could be a source of the problem. "Tinitingnan natin kung baka contaminated ang kanilang source ng tubig or most likely ganoon ang nangyari diyan (We are verifying if the source of drinking water there was contaminated)," he said. Earlier, Palawan provincial health officer Dr. Ed Cruz said they are monitoring the situation and take samples of the water in the affected areas. As of Monday afternoon, dzBB reported the medical team sent there had started attending to residents with weak immune systems. — LBG, GMA News