BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Cholera cases in Negros Occidental increased by 100 percent in the past two weeks.
The provincial health office said 24 cases were recorded as of Friday compared to 12 on Oct. 21.
Talisay City logged 10 cases, Silay City and EB Magalona, six each with two deaths and one each in Calatrava and Victorias City.
The number of cholera cases in this city rose to nine, according to the city health office.
Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is contracted by drinking contaminated water.
An outbreak of cholera had earlier been declared in three barangays in EB Magalona.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson called on local government units in the province to organize their respective drinking water quality monitoring committees amid the increase in water-borne diseases.
Typhoid fever, which is also caused by ingestion of contaminated food and water, have likewise increased in Negros Occidental.
Six typhoid fever-related deaths and more than 600 cases have been recorded in the province since January.