• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Mayor Renato Gustilo yesterday issued an executive order declaring San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, under a “state of health emergency,” after he was alarmed by rising amoebiasis cases.
As stipulated in his issued executive order, Gustilo also ordered “strong coordination” among San Carlos City barangays, in spreading public awareness, in order to prevent the surge of such cases.
Amoebiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, which is spread through human feces. Often there are no symptoms, but, sometimes it causes diarrhea, nausea, and weight loss, according to the Department of Health.
Gustilo said he discovered that the number of amoebiasis cases in San Carlos City reached more than 100, with one fatality, following his visit to patients being treated at the City Hospital, on February 21.
He identified Barangay Bulwangan in San Carlos City as the worst hit village.
Gustilo also said that they are now determining the source of the amoebiasis cases.*
