1. Situation OveniTew

There was an increased report in diarrheal cases in the province of Catanduanes particularly in the municipality of Virac. The increased numbers of diarrhea' cases were admitted at the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBrvic) coincided with an increase in admissions of cholera suspects. The possible source of contamination is the improved spring located at Sto. Domingo River commonly used by affected cases as their source of drinking water while quarrying.

The overall contributing factors for the increase diarrheal cases in barangays Sto. Domingo and Sitio Canyugan, Dugui Too were as follows:

• low access of households to sanitary toilets
• low access to potable water and for domestic use
• poor hygienic practices
• and no proper disposal of solid and liquid waste in both barangays

Result of investigation disclosed that the possible cause of death of 3 (1 yr old boy of Brgy. Dugui Too; 6 yrs old boy and a 59 yrs old male of Brgy. Sto. Domingo) were severe dehydration due to Acute Gastroenteritis.