7 die of diarrhea outbreak in southern Philippines

Seven people, mostly children, died while an undetermined number of others fell ill over the past few days due to a diarrhea outbreak in a village near San Luis town, Agusan del Sur in southern Philippines, the official Philippine News Agency reported Tuesday.

An official report released by Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza said at least 87 families from the village were evacuated to the town for immediate medical treatment. Local officials appealed for medical assistance and volunteer doctors and nurses.

The municipal government of San Luis mobilized all its health personnel and department heads and their respective employees and workers to assist the victims, who are suffering from vomiting, loose bowel movement and severe stomach pain, according to the report.

The cause of the epidemic outbreak is still unknown, said the report.

Source: Xinhua