Hepatitis A cluster emerges in Valencia City barangays linked to water

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — City health authorities are investigating a cluster of Hepatitis A infections affecting residents across multiple barangays in this Mindanao city, with preliminary findings suggesting a link to compromised barangay water supplies.

Cipriano Pat, the city's Health Disease Surveillance Officer, confirmed the outbreak during an inspection conducted earlier this week. His team documented six patients currently hospitalized with confirmed or suspected Hepatitis A infections, predominantly male individuals ranging from 17 years of age upward.

The clustering of cases within a concentrated geographic area has prompted health officials to focus their response on water system contamination. The city health office has begun inspecting barangay water sources and distribution networks to identify the source of contamination and prevent further transmission.

Hepatitis A, a viral infection spread through contaminated food and water, causes inflammation of the liver and can result in acute illness. The disease typically develops between two to seven weeks following exposure and is preventable through proper sanitation and safe water practices.

City health officials have urged residents in affected barangays to boil drinking water, practice rigorous hand hygiene, and report any suspicious symptoms to local health centers. An epidemiological investigation is underway to track additional cases and determine the full scope of the outbreak.