Negros Occidental cholera cases rise

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Cholera cases in Negros Occidental have continued to increase, with 43 new cases and two deaths reported as of Saturday.

The provincial health office said Talisay City logged the highest number of cases at 20 followed by Silay City, with 15 cases and one death; EB Magalona, six cases and one death, and Manapla and Cadiz City, one case each.

No cholera case was recorded in Negros Occidental in the past three years.

Bacolod City logged 21 cases from January to Nov. 12.

City health officer Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli said 21 of the 307 acute gastroenteritis patients recorded in Bacolod were also confirmed cholera cases.

The provincial health office said cholera cases in Negros Occidental increased by 100 percent early this month.

Negros Occidental third district Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez called for a coordinated drive against cholera.

He cited the need for a quarterly monitoring of all water refilling stations and restaurants in affected areas.