AS A short-term solution to the problem of contaminated water in most evacuation centers in the City of Naga, the Department of Health (DOH) 7 said those managing the centers may place water dispensers away from toilets and trash bins.
Dr. Em Cañal, head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit-Health Emergency Management Staff (RESU-HEMS) of the DOH 7, said the centers should segregate the garbage and cover them.
The DOH 7 is also reminding evacuees to observe proper hygiene, especially among children below four years old.
In last Sunday’s press briefing, Cañal revealed that most water supplies in the evacuation centers in the City of Naga are contaminated with E. Coli or fecal coliform.
To monitor the centers’ waste and sanitation, the DOH 7 took water samples from five evacuation centers, namely, in Enan Chiong Activity Center, Naga National High School, Naga Elementary School, Naalad Elementary School and Apo Cemex covered court.
Most of the water supply came from dispensers, tanks and deep wells.
“We deploy disease surveillance personnel to monitor the waste and sanitation of each evacuation center, we get water samples of different evacuation centers, and all, found positive of E. Coli or fecal coliform. At this point, we can’t really determine if the source would be the water from the dispenser, faucet or others, but we as we did ocular inspection in evacuation centers, were able to note placement of dispensers close to toilets and garbage disposal. Some of the waste disposal in centers, do not have cover,” said Cañal.
Cañal hopes to get the list of donors of food and water after they recorded 11 cases of diarrhea, although these did not come from one center alone.
“We need to have the list of donated foods, so that if there is an outbreak (of diarrhea), we will be able to trace back the flow, as to where the donations come from. If they’re water-borne, we can trace if the water was bought from Naga or outside,” Cañal said.
She said contaminated water cannot be used in washing dishes or for shower since it is still dangerous.
Meantime, the DOH 7 will distribute vitamins and vaccines to responders and rescuers for protection. (FMDD)