The Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital recorded 112 cumulative cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) from Aug. 22 to Sept. 6.
Of the number, almost half or 52 were medical students of Iloilo Doctors’ College (IDC), two were resident physicians of the hospital, and the rest were students from the school’s different departments.
According to Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna of the City Health Office (CHO), majority of the cases consumed food they bought from vendors outside the school.
Last week, the city government conducted an inspection of all food kiosks and establishments as well as ambulant vendors outside IDC, particularly on the streets of Infante, Delgado and Timawa.
Those found to have committed violations were issued citation tickets and told to secure health cards while those that failed to present their business permits were temporarily closed.
Fortuna said the city government will continue to monitor and conduct inspections not only outside the school but also around the city to ensure that food businesses operating in the metropolis comply with the requirements and health standards.
“Sige-sigehon ni namon ang pag-strikto sang tanan nga food establishments especially sa ambulant vendors. So, kita namon sa City Proper pa lang damo na kita sang ambulant vendors.”
AGE is a disease caused by the intake of water and food possibly contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. Its common symptoms include abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.IMT
