DOH: Cholera, diarrhea outbreak may soon be under control

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) may soon declare the cholera and diarrhea outbreak in Catanduanes under control.

Health Undersecretary Ted Herbosa said health and local government authorities are undertaking all efforts to control the outbreak that has affected several areas in the province.

“There are still cases of diarrhea being admitted in hospitals, but the number is already going down,” Herbosa said in an interview.

“We are still closely monitoring the situation,” he said as he expressed confidence that the outbreak would soon be under control.

Herbosa added that health authorities were able to identify the source of contaminated water which would greatly help in controlling the spread of diarrhea.

According to Herbosa, chlorination of water is also being undertaken and clean water is being distributed to every family in the affected areas.

Since January until June 18, DOH said more than 1,300 diarrhea cases, including 22 deaths, have been reported in Catanduanes.

But Herbosa clarified that only eight of the 22 were confirmed to be deaths due to cholera.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona and several other DOH officials have also visited Catanduanes to assess the situation there, according to Herbosa.