By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

Officials with the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office in the western area of the island of Luzon are reporting an increase in acute gastroenteritis cases during the first five months of 2019.

4,282 cases have been reported through May 20, up from 3,260 during the same period last year or a 31 percent increase. Young children have felt the brunt of these cases.

In addition 24 fatalities have been recorded, up from 17 last year. Dagupan City and Binmaley have recorded the most deaths.

Provincial health officer Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman attributed the casualties to poor hygiene and contaminated water.

“Most of the patients do not practice washing before drinking or eating. Hand washing is the number one defense against such diseases because most of the harmful microbes can be removed via washing. They should also make sure that the water they use both for washing and drinking is clean,” she said.

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