A motorized water chlorinator was installed Saturday in Borbon town, northern Cebu where 87 people suffered from typhoid fever because of a contaminated water source.
“This is a nice development but the residual of chlorine that has been delivered to its system must still be maintained,” said Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU)-7 Chief Rennan Cimafranca said.
According to Cimafranca, the chlorinator was put up by the local government-managed water works system in response to RESU-7’s request to replace the old, non-functioning chlorinator.
“As long as residual chlorine will be maintained and that it will follow the desired level, at least the contamination will be easier to correct,” Cimafranca said.
Of the 87 typhoid patients reported last Friday, only seven were admitted and two remain at the hospital because of dehydration.
Officials said the number of patients have gone down in the past days. The health office also sent workers to check on those who may have suffered gastrointestinal problems but did not have themselves checked.
Cimafranca warned that with the rainy season, people will be more vulnerable to unsafe water.
The RESU will have a conference with local leaders to discuss long term solutions. There was an earlier suggestion to move residents away from the spring. They will also check the feasibility of looking for another source for the water distribution system./ by UPV Intern Le-an Lai Lacaba
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