DAGUPAN CITY -- The Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO) is watching for cases of acute gastroenteritis, as it has already claimed 36 lives from January to the second week of August this year, an official said Monday, August 19.

Provincial health officer Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman said there was a 21 percent increase this year, with 6,695 cases compared to last year's 5,533 acute gastroenteritis victims.

"Out of 36 fatalities, seven are from Dagupan City," she said in an interview.

The PHO placed San Carlos City, Mangaldan, Bayambang, Calasiao, and Alaminos City under close watch, as these cities and towns have the highest concentration of acute gastroenteritis cases at 541, 432, 404, 337, and 290, respectively.

The PHO urged the public again to find clean water sources.

"We should always check our water sources, and find ways in order to drink clean water," de Guzman said.

She also asked the public to purify tap water to kill most of the germs and parasites.

"The safest method of purification would be boiling water, although there are other alternatives," she said.

Meanwhile, the PHO, through the Espino-led provincial government and its Kalusugan Karaban, continues to give away olyset nets to counter dengue, and chlorine bottles to purify drinking water.

Gerry cans are also being distributed for water storage.

"The Kalusugan Karaban continues to give free health services to Pangasinenses, especially those living in remote areas," de Guzman said.

(PNA)