The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday, January 11, tested the water in Baguio City after the reported increase of diarrhea cases.

According to the Baguio City Health Office, 308 cases have been reported from December 21 to January 7 in the 3-month to 92 years-old age bracket. Eleven patients have been admitted to nearby hospitals but no deaths have been reported.

“The DOH advises all to always use clean water for drinking, preparing drinks, cooking, washing eating and cooking utensils, brushing teeth, and washing the hands and face,” the health agency said in a statement.

It added that it would provide access to potable water in the affected areas of the city following the pending result of the Epidemiology Bureau’s investigation.

“Water testing is ongoing in the city. Water may be boiled for two minutes (start timer after water comes to a rolling boil). The use of chlorine-based water disinfection solution or tablets, if available in health centers, is also recommended,” DOH stated.

The health agency reminded that diarrhea is typically associated with water- or food-borne causative agents with hydration through clean water, ideally with oral rehydration solution, as its first aid.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong had declared an acute gastroenteritis outbreak, prompting intensified measures to address the emergency.