350 acute gastroenteritis cases recorded in Baguio since Dec. 21, 2023

The Baguio City Health Services Office (CHSO) has launched an investigation as cases of acute gastroenteritis in the city reached 350 since December 21, 2023.

According to acting City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, they are looking at water contamination as possible reason behind the disease, after some of the cases reportedly ate at various food establishments over the holidays. 

“We are hoping that all food establishments will cooperate to help ensure the safety of their customers and prevent more incidents,” Brillantes said in a statement. 

The CHSO said its sanitation division gathered water samples from different water sources of the concerned establishments, which would be subjected for testing and retesting to determine the cause of the possible contamination.  

The division also coordinated with the Baguio Water District, which said it would conduct its own probe and testing. 

While waiting for the test results, Brillantes advised the food establishments to refrain from serving tap and filtered water and to serve only purified or bottled water to their customers for safety purposes.

The Department of Health (DOH) also reminded the public to clean the food thoroughly before eating, cook the food well and cover it, wash hands frequently, and ensure that the water that they are drinking is clean to avoid diarrhea.  —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News