As of January 11, Thursday, Baguio City recorded 2,199 cases of acute gastroenteritis, with 45 individuals hospitalized, according to the City Health Services Office (CHSO).
Acting City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes noted that the majority of cases occurred between January 2 and 8, with 64.4% of the 492 affected individuals still exhibiting symptoms.
Data revealed that 63.6% of patients had eaten at food establishments, 13.2% consumed takeout food, 11.2% had home-cooked meals, and 12% cited other causes.
The outbreak has a widespread geographic impact, with 218 cases from outside Baguio, 204 from neighboring towns, and significant numbers from specific barangays.
Bacterial contamination was confirmed in one water sample from an establishment, leading to intensified inspections by the CHSO Sanitation Division and Baguio Water District.
The Department of Health (DOH) collaborated with the Baguio City Government to manage the situation, emphasizing access to clean water pending epidemiologic investigation results.
Health officials advised residents to avoid consuming service water or ice in restaurants, report symptoms through a self-reporting form practice regular handwashing, and seek medical attention for symptoms like:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain