The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has confirmed an outbreak of acute diarrhea in Barangay Sacpil, Conner, with a total of 95 cases recorded between April 29 and May 19, 2025.
Initial monitoring from April 29 to May 6 documented 84 cases, with no new reports between May 7 and 13. However, 11 additional cases occurred between May 14 and 19, prompting new response measures.
Preliminary investigation identified contaminated water as the likely source of infection. Viral causes have been ruled out. Laboratory findings confirmed the presence of Entamoeba histolytica (amoebiasis), Salmonella typhi (typhoid fever), Leptospira bacteria (leptospirosis), and Vibrio cholerae in two recent cases.
Water samples analyzed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) showed elevated levels of coliform bacteria, an indicator of fecal contamination. Ingestion of such bacteria is known to cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever.
An emergency meeting was held on May 19 at the Barangay Hall of Sacpil, attended by barangay officials and representatives from the PHO, Rural Health Unit (RHU) Conner, Conner District Hospital (CDH), and DOH–CAR. The meeting reviewed the current situation and outlined additional containment measures.
The health response includes daily monitoring, field surveillance, medical treatment, distribution of water testing kits, and public health advisories. Sanitation materials and medical equipment were also delivered to the affected community.
Health officials clarified that no isolation is required, as the identified causes are bacterial, not viral. However, residents are strongly advised to follow safety precautions, including:
•Frequent handwashing with clean water and soap
•Drinking only boiled or properly treated water
•Maintaining proper food hygiene and environmental sanitation
•Reporting symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever to the nearest health facility
In a joint statement, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Conner and the PHO assured the public of continued efforts to contain the outbreak.
“This is a preventable health issue. With vigilance, coordination, and good sanitation practices, we can all overcome this challenge,” said Dr. Mark Joleen Calban, Provincial Health Officer.
The response initiative is led by Dr. Calban and Dr. Oliver Lacambra, CDH Officer-in-Charge Medical Center Chief, with the goal of containing the outbreak and ensuring immediate medical care to affected residents.
APIO – Diocen Tolentino
