Bohol Provincial Health Officer Rey Moses Cabagnot said that the diarrhea epidemic in Loon has not been contained as more people are admitted to the hospital and two more persons have died in Sandingan Island of this town.

"I cannot personally say that the diarrhea outbreak in Loon is under control because a lot of patients are still going to the hospital for treatment," said Cabagnot, reacting to reports that quoted local officials as saying that the plague had been contained last Tuesday.

Cabagnot also said that from 120 persons falling ill of diarrhea, the number now rises to at least 400. Yesterday, Cabagnot said health officials went to Sandingan Island to check on the report he received that two persons died in the island due to diarrhea.

Last week, three-year-old Lea Lampara, of Barangay Cogon Norte died of diarrhea induced by gastroenteritis. Another diarrhea victim, Paz Marson, 57, of Barangay Basak, Lampara died last Monday at the Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City, about 28 kilometers from the town.

Cabagnot said at least 79 persons were still at the hospital in Loon as of press time last night due to diarrhea.

The Department of Health (DoH) is expected to release Monday the result of its examination on the water used by the residents. Initial tests showed that the disease was caused by contaminated water.

Loon Mayor Cesar Tomas Lopez said the outbreak started last Friday and has affected all of the 67 barangays of the town, which has a population of about 50,000. But he said that the victims were concentrated in 20 barangays, including Barangays Cogon Norte and Basak.

"We are investigating the water source of the town as the origin of the outbreak considering that 60 percent of our residents are dependent on the local water system," said Lopez, adding that the other 40 percent have their own sources of water like deep well and spring.

He said the outbreak started after a month-long rain that could have contaminated the water with human and animal wastes. But based on the partial laboratory test conducted by the provincial health office, the water source was negative of any bacteria.

Lopez also suspected that the bottled water sold in the town could also be contaminated, prompting him to immediately order an inspection on all bottled water stations and an examination of the water and food handlers in the town.

He also ordered school administrators to check vendors of iced water, iced candy, juices, and other foods around schools.