At least 72 in Agusan del Sur hospitalized due to stomachache, vomiting, LBM

At least 72 residents of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur were rushed to the hospital after experiencing stomachache, vomiting, and loose bowel movement on February 19, 2024.

Dr. Jackie Momville, Provincial Health Officer of Agusan del Sur, said majority of those rushed to the Esperanza Medicare Community Hospital were from Barangay Tandang Sora.

Patients started arriving in the hospital at 6 p.m.

The Rural Health Unit of Esperanza has also deployed a team to Barangay Tandang Sora.

Investigation is ongoing to determine what really caused the ailment, as of this writing.

Momville said the goal was to make sure none of the patients dies.

“Ang goal po natin is masalba po sila and wala pong mamamatay na pasyente," she said.

"Very important po sa ganitong sitwasyon, kapag may mga pasyente na pumapasok, yung una po nating gagawin is suero-han po sila para di sila ma-deyhydrate dahil sa pagsusuka at pagtatae. Tapos, itong line na ito, puwede po itong maging daan para sa mga gamot na ilalagay na po agad sa IV para agaran po yung effect, no, gaya ng mga pain reliever, meron ding antibiotics,” she added.

EMCH has doubled its manpower to respond more efficiently to the situation.

The Provincial Health Office and other hospitals in the province also sent logistical support to EMCH, including IV fluids, medicines, and medical supplies.

Two other hospitals expanded bed capacity in the event other patients have to be brought there.

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

According to PPIO Agusan del Sur, the provincial government’s Search and Rescue team sent an ambulance to Esperanza and coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO-Agusan del Sur) and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Bayugan.

Two Patient Transport Vehicles (PTV) were deployed as augmentation.

The MDRRMO San Luis also helped in transporting patients from the Dimasalang gym to the hospital in Esperanza.

The Philippine Red Cross also sent Oresol from the Department of Health, medical teams, and nurses to help at the hospital. —GMA Regional TV