DOH: Cholera cases up 270%

MANILA, Philippines — The number of cholera cases in the country almost tripled compared to last year, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

National cholera surveillance data showed 3,980 cases nationwide, including 37 deaths, as of Oct. 8.

The DOH said the cases were 270 percent higher than the 1,077 recorded during the same period last year.

Eastern Visayas logged 2,678 cases followed by Davao with 441 and Caraga with 289.

The DOH said cholera cases exceeded the epidemic threshold in Central Luzon, Western Visayas and National Capital Region.

On the other hand, cholera cases among school-age children are on the downtrend in the other regions.

Pampanga, Catanduanes, Masbate and Negros Occidental as well as Bacolod City recorded a slight increase in cases in the past three to four weeks.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau director Dr. Alethea de Guzman said Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Cavite, Rizal, Catanduanes, Masbate, Antique, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Leyte and the cities of Olongapo, Bacolod, Manila and Mandaluyong logged an increase in cholera cases among children aged five to 17.

De Guzman said cases this year were higher compared to the past five years.

The DOH said the increase in cholera cases was due to environmental factors, such as flooding and poor sanitation.

Cholera outbreak in Bacolod

Meanwhile, a cholera outbreak has been declared in Bacolod City after three cases were recorded in Barangay Alijis, city health officer Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli said in an advisory issued on Tuesday.

The provincial health office said cholera cases in Negros Occidental have increased to 17.

Talisay and Silay cities as well as EB Magalona town recorded five cases each while Victorias City and Calatrava logged one each.

Two cholera-related deaths were earlier reported in EB Magalona and Silay City.

EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon had earlier declared a cholera outbreak in Barangays Tanza, Batea and Poblacion 3.

Provincial health officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang reiterated his call for local government units to check water potability in areas where there is clustering of cholera cases. — Gilbert Bayoran