18 down by “typhoid”  in Barili

CEBU, Philippines — At least 18 cases of suspected typhoid fever have been reported in Barili, Cebu.

Mayor John-John Garcia said the victims who are now confined at the town’s infirmary are residents of Barangay Gunting. The mayor said they are still investigating the potential sources of contamination, including water supplies like the Belgian Spring, which many affected residents use for drinking.

Garcia has already ordered the temporary closure of the spring for water quality testing and to account for the number of households relying on it.

“Further water quality testing is recommended aron mahibaw-an og maylabot ba kini sa mga typhoid cases sa area karon,” Garcia said.

Other water sources in the area are also being inspected. One source reportedly had a warning sign indicating it was unsafe for drinking, but the sign is no longer present. Garcia noted additional concerns, including a cow located 60 meters from the water source.

The local government unit has also begun inspecting nearby households to assess sanitation facilities.

“Sa 5 ka households nga kinadul-an sa affected area, 4 ang dunay functional nga CR. Usa ra ang wala,” Garcia explained.

“I-check pud ang ubang households nga dunay CR, ug another water source sa area, ang NIA (National Irrigation Administration),” he added.

While efforts to determine the exact cause of the outbreak are ongoing, the LGU has distributed aqua tabs and chlorine to households in the affected area. It also plans to conduct an orientation on proper hygiene and sanitation practices for residents.

“Akong gi-awhag ang matag Barilinhon, taga Gunting man o dili, nga i-siguro jud ang kalimpyo sa tubig ilimnon ug ipadayon ang pagpanglimpyo sa atong mga kabalayan. Panghunaw kanunay, ilabi na ig human og gamit sa banyo,” Garcia urged his constituents. — (FREEMAN)