Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has asked the public to be “vigilant” after he directed the City Health Office (CHO) and the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center to check and contain the reported cases of stomach flu.

The Mayor asked City Health Officer Dr. Verona Guevarra and Dr. Froilan Canlas of RLMMC to look into the alleged cases of LBM or stomach flu, specifically directing them to coordinate with local hospitals on the number and conditions of any patients who were admitted for intestinal infections or viral gastroenteritis.

The two city doctors were also directed to seek the help of the Department of Health (DOH) if there is a virus.

Mayor Lazatin has reiterated his call on the public to be extra vigilant, ensure cleanliness of surroundings and the quality of food that will be consumed.

Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis or intestinal infection includes watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.

Acute gastroenteritis can be contracted through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water.

Most affected are infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems.