NDRRMC names 15 of 20 'confirmed' diarrhea fatalities in Palawan

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has named at least 15 of 20 Palawan residents who died in a diarrhea outbreak that it said started as early as March 1. In a report posted on its website Thursday night, the NDRRMC also said the diarrhea cases in Bataraza town is still increasing, with victims aged between seven months and 85 years. "Affected individuals did not consult any health provider and was not given any form of treatment prior to their death. Deaths started on 27 March 2011 and none of the deaths were seen by a health provider," it said. It said 90 people were admitted to the Rio Tuba Nickel Hospital from March 1 to 31. The NDRRMC said at least 20 had died in Culandanum, only 15 of whom have been identified.

These included: (Died March 27) * Armina Gangan, 24; * Joselina Gangan, 1; * Estrade Enyong, 4 (male); * Morsaden Enyong, 2 (female); * Sijun Enyong, 2 (male); * Kolab Enyong, 3 (male); * Bedina Enyong, 3; (Died March 28) * Norlito Kundong, 3; * Nolina Kundong, 4; * Toto Sibuno, 15; * Emban Das, 50; (Died March 30) * Tulina Busnol, 15; * Nuasin Sipla, 1; (Died April 1) * Nene Limabo, 3; * Toto Limabo, 2

The NDRRMC noted a fast progression of symptoms and rapid deterioration of patients’ condition from the onset of initial symptoms to severe dehydration and sudden death. It said patients manifested symptoms of profuse watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Culandanum village has 3,786 residents, and most of the affected are indigenous people who are members of the Palawa-an tribe, it added. Health authorities in the area set up a temporary hospital in Sitio Linao in Culandanum in Bataraza, while patients are treated at the Linao Elementary School. "The 'survivors' together with the local residents persuaded other members of the tribe who are still staying inside the cave to come down to the treatment camp for proper care," the NDRRMC said. It also said the health team conducted a village assembly and public information drive, while collecting water samples for bacterial testing. — LBG, GMA News