DOH declares cholera outbreak in Virac

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health has declared a cholera outbreak in Virac, Catanduanes with at least 748 locals contracting the vibrio cholerae bacteria from Jan. 1 to June 13, DOH Undersecretary Ted Herbosa said yesterday.

The provincial government of Catanduanes itself has declared a state of calamity to contain the spread of the disease that has already killed 15 villagers.

The 748 cases in Virac form part of the 1,370 cases recorded in the entire province during the period.

Herbosa said eight cholera deaths have been confirmed: six in Virac and one each in San Miguel and Pandan towns.

For her part though, Dr. Lubella Sanchez, Catanduanes provincial health officer, said 18 people have died since diarrhea cases were reported last January – eight in Virac and seven others in San Andres town.

“We considered that there is an outbreak because the number of cases this year has already surpassed last year’s cases. For now, the outbreak of cholera is only limited in Virac,” Herbosa said.

While the victims in 11 other towns, including San Andres, San Miguel, Viga and Pandan, have manifested cholera-like symptoms, Herbosa said they were still waiting for laboratory test results to validate if it was indeed cholera.

He said the interventions for cholera are different that those for diarrhea, as the former is “more aggressive.”    

Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Cua has declared a state of calamity to enable the provincial government to use the P1.6-million calamity fund from its 2011 savings.

Fire trucks filled with potable water have been sent to San Andres while health teams have been deployed to distribute Oresol tablets to prevent dehydration, a common cause of death among those suffering from diarrhea, as well as antibiotics and chlorine.

Also part of control measures were health teachings among villagers to educate them on frequent handwashing, boiling water for drinking, and refraining from eating contaminated food.