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More cholera cases reported in NegOcc, Bacolod City

By Nanette Guadalquiver

October 18, 2022, 3:04 pm

BACOLOD CITY – The province of Negros Occidental and this capital city have urged the public to ensure the consumption of safe food and water after more cases of cholera, an acute diarrheal illness, have been reported here as of Monday afternoon.

Data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed there are now 12 confirmed cases, from the previous seven, of which Silay City has five; E.B. Magalona, four; Talisay City, two; and Victorias City, one, all in the province’s third district adjacent to Bacolod.

Of the 12 cases, two had died, which were reported in Silay and E.B. Magalona.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Tuesday the local chief executives are doing their best to control the infection and also looking into the operations of private water refilling stations.

“We hope there will be no more fatalities,” he added.

Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer, said the PHO will send another recommendation to the affected local government units to step up the monitoring of their water facilities.

In Bacolod, nine cases were reported in Barangays Sum-ag and Granada, two each as well as Mansilingan, Alijis, Tangub, Handumanan, and Barangay 40, one each.

The number has increased by six from only three reported last week.

“We are on the alert level.” Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, city health officer, said.

She advised residents to practice the WASH strategy to avoid food and water-borne diseases.

This means using safe and potable water for drinking and domestic use; observing and practicing sanitation at all times through proper waste disposal as well as encouraging and promoting zero open defecation; and exercising and making hygiene a habit.

Gensoli said an individual must seek early treatment if experiencing bowel movement more than thrice a day with vomiting.

Meanwhile, out of the 257 water refilling stations inspected in Bacolod, only 135 were found to have permits.

Of the remaining 118 which have no permits, 29 were reported to have complied while four are no longer operational due to various issues. (PNA)

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