Diarrhea outbreak under control in N. Cotabato village

MAGPET, North Cotabato -- The diarrhea outbreak at Barangay Don Panaca here, which downed Monday 85 people, is now under control.Magpet Mayor Florenito Gonzaga said all those affected by the occurrence were given medical attention while health personnel were deployed in the area to observe and respond to any crisis that might arise.Local health officials have collected water samples in the village for laboratory test.Authorities believe that the source of drinking water in the area may have been contaminated due to heavy rains the past several days across the province.Gonzaga ordered the Barangay Water Service Authority and village officials to submit samples from their water sources to ensure the safety of their respective constituents. Foremost, this initiative is for villages relying on deep wells foe their water source,” the mayor said.He said the town government would pay for the laboratory examination of the water sample.On Monday, most villagers from Don Panaca experienced loose bowel movement stomach pain and vomiting that confined them at the rural health center.Village officials immediately reported the incident to the municipal health center, prompting health personnel to rush to the area.Don Panaca is an identified indigenous tribal community situated at the foot of Mt. Apo and some two-hour ride from the town center. sand//scontent.fceb2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t35.0-12/13570398_1220406097979032_285903227_o.jpg?oh=822557b5583e00299a28ceb7dbd1d94aandampoe=577580F2