Death toll due to rotavirus hits 19

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The death toll due to the outbreak of diarrhea caused by rotavirus in this city has risen to 19, according to the city health office.

A report from the epidemiology and surveillance unit showed the victims were aged two months to 50, a majority of whom were hospitalized at the Zamboanga City Medical Center.

Ivy Iturralde of the city health office said 2,324 were admitted in 11 hospitals since March 28. An increase in the number of cases was recorded on April 4, she said.

Rotavirus is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated water or food and contact with contaminated surfaces. It is the leading cause of diarrhea, especially among children.

Agnes Mabolo, acting chief of the Department of Health in the Zamboanga peninsula, earlier said about 65 percent of collected water samples showed fecal coliform bacteria.

Water rationing is being implemented in this city since January because of the dry spell.