The Department of Health (DOH) and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) revealed Tuesday that the diarrhea outbreak in the city that started last week was caused by Norovirus.

City Health Officer Dr. Rodel Agbulos said norovirus is a highly contagious virus and can be obtained from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces.

About 707 cases of Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) were admitted in the different government and private hospitals in the city from March 28 to April 16, 2016.

An increase in the admission of acute gastroenteritis cases was noted and reported starting April 4.

Three  children died due to acute gastroenteritis coupled with pneumonia and malnutrition, the city health office reported.

Agbulos said more than half of the cases were from the pediatric group particularly under five years old but all age groups were affected.