Public cautioned on E. coli bacteria-positive 'drinking water'
Four of the ten deep wells used as major source of water-refilling stations in Iloilo City and six from four Iloilo towns have been found positive and contaminated with E. coli Bacteria.
The findings formed part of the analysis made by a team from the Department of Health (DOH) Western Visayas Regional Office 6.
Disclosed over Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Dr. Elvie Villalobos said contaminated deep wells were found in the towns of Pavia and Leganes in the Second District, Concepcion in the Fifth District and Miag-ao in the First District.
A total of six deep wells were subjected to analysis with water sample taken by the DOH team. Four turned out positive for E. coli Bacteria in the four Iloilo towns mentioned.
Similar positive findings in four deep wells in Iloilo City out of the ten checked yet no specifics were released on exact locations as of yet.
As such, the public is cautioned to take extra care and sterilize drinking water to avoid E. coli Bacteria -caused diseases such as gastro-enteritis.
The News Today (TNT) learned from Health Department insiders that concern was likewise raised on water-refilling stations throughout Iloilo City and the province. With this, TNT learned that the DOH now called for submission of water sample from these commercial water-refilling stations.
To note, water-refilling stations in both city and province of Iloilo also have deep wells as source of water supply.
The DOH findings came after E. coli Bacteria was also discovered in one town in the island-province of Guimaras. Treatment was immediately made by the Jordan Water District as water supply was cut off here.
The presence of E. coli Bacteria in water is a strong indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination. During rainfalls, the bacteria may be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or groundwater. When these waters are used as sources of drinking water and the water is not treated or inadequately treated, the bacteria ends up in drinking water.
Infection often causes severe bloody and non-bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Available information on the web on Ecoli Bacteria symptoms stated that such usually appear within 2 to 4 days, but can take up to 8 days.
“Most people recover without antibiotics or other specific treatment in 5-10 days. There is no evidence that antibiotics improve the course of disease, and it is thought that treatment with some antibiotics may precipitate kidney complications. Antidiarrheal agents, such as loperamide (Imodium), should also be avoided,” data on “Drinking water contamination” stated.