Contaminated wells, lack of toilets linked to typhoid cases
By Karen Jo Fabillar
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 07:35:00 04/05/2008
ASTURIAS Mayor Allan Adlawan said his office wouuld take over water distribution in barangay Sta. Lucia after tests showed bacteria contamination of wells and faucets in the waterworks reservoir.
One person died and 15 others fell ill of typhoid fever in the barangay.
Tests on seven water sources showed that five of these were contaminated with salmonella bacteria that can cause typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever and foodborne illnesses.
A Provincial Health Office team headed by Dr. Cristina Giango, visited the households of the 16 victims in Asturias town, 71 km west of Cebu City.
They found that some of the families source their water from a level 1 artesian well. The well is open to contamination by the run-off water from higher grounds.
The team also found out that most households lack toilets, leaving people to use the backyard or an open field for human wastes.
When it rains, the bacteria from human feces finds its way into the water sources, the report said.
Sta. Lucia barangay officials asked the help of the provincial government to provide toilet bowls for distribution.
Four of the barangays’ artesian wells were already closed after these tested positive for Salmonella.
“We have decided to take over the water distribution because they (Sta. Lucia Waterworks Association) were not able to provide good service to the people. We have to close that water system using all the powers of the LGU (local government unit),” Adlawan said yesterday.
Adlawan earlier said at least 6,000 Sta. Lucia residents source their drinking water from the Sta. Lucia Waterworks Association and several artesian wells.
The Department of Health has published health advisories on water sanitation and food safety, said Dr. Susana Madarieta, director of DOH.
This is under the DOH “Summer Time” campaign.
Health officials advised residents to do the following:
• Have household chlorination
• Boil drinking water for 30 minutes.
• Human waste and garbage should be properly disposed
• Wash hands properly before and after meals
• Visit health centers regularly
Catalino Candidisimo died of typhoid fever caused by the salmonella bacteria.
The other 15 victims include Faustino Hotohot, 31; Roger Narvasa, 28; Jonnie Capayan, 29; Jenelyn Bansiloy; eddie Capuyan, 40; Edwin Ibe, 41; Danilo Pahaganas, 36; Paolo Juan Villa, 4; Rhea Apurado, 7; Nino John Himaya, 11; Marian Cabuyao, 6; Cindy Gorgonio, 10; Nadel Pahayahay, 3; Jude Lemuel Delerio, 14; and Hanna Seroy, 3.
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