FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FOOD AND WATERBORNE DISEASES

1. How big is the problem on food and waterborne diseases?
2. What other foodborne diseases that have been documented and require prevention and control strategies by the? Food and Waterborne Diseases Prevention and Control Program?
3. What drug is recommended for treatment of Paragonimiasis)?

1. How big is the problem on food and waterborne diseases?

Food and waterborne diseases are among the most common causes of diarrhea. Seventy percent of diarrhea due to food and waterborne diseases have resulted from ingestion of contaminated food or water. Diarrheal diseases for the past 20 years is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality, incidence rate is high as 1,997 per 100,000 population while mortality rate is 6.7 per 100,000 ppopulation.

Between 1988 and 1998, outbreak of FWBDs ranks first (typhoid fever), second (cholera), fourth (food poisoning), sixth (hepatitis A), *and eight (diarrhea).

2. What other foodborne diseases thath have been documented and require prevention and control strategies by theFood and Waterborne Diseases Prevention and Control Program?

The Department of Health (DOH) just recently uncovered a parasitic disease affecting lungs of people who are fond of eating raw or insufficiently cooked crabs or curstaceans in many parts of the country. Called Paragonimiasis, it has similar manifestations as pulmonary tuberculosis that frequently it is misdiagnosed as such.

3. What drug is recommended for treatment of Paragonimiasis)?

Praziquantel is the treatment of choice. Praziquantel is not available in the local market, thus purchase of drug is thru the World Health Organization (WHO) reimburseable procurement system.