According to the DOH, a diarrhea outbreak is causing Baguio City's water to be tested.

Following Mayor Benjamin Magalong's declaration of a diarrhea outbreak in the nation's summer capital, the Department of Health (DOH) stated that an investigation into Baguio City's water sources is still underway.

As of December 21 of last year, the Baguio City Health Office has released preliminary statistics showing an increase in instances of diarrhea.

There were 1,761 cases of diarrhea registered in the city as of Wednesday, counting both residents and visitors.

According to the DOH, water testing is being done by the Baguio City Health Office.

To be safe, the health department suggested Baguio City residents boil it or apply disinfection pills.

“Water testing is ongoing in the city,” it said in a statement Thursday.

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

Diarrhea is a public health hazard that is typically caused by food- or water-borne pathogens. Clean water is recommended by the DOH for eating, cooking, drinking, and tooth brushing. Reports of changes in the color or odor of tap water are also urged. Treating diarrhea with clean water and oral rehydration solution is recommended as first aid.