Negros Occidental cholera cases increase

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Confirmed cholera cases in Negros Occidental have increased to 67, according to a report of the provincial health offfice on Thursday.

Two deaths were recorded in EB Magalona and Silay City.

Talisay City logged the highest number of cases at 23 followed by Silay with 21; EB Magalona, 16; Victorias and Cadiz, three each; Pulupandan, two, and Manapla, one. Twenty-eight cases were recorded in this city.

Bacolod City health officer Dr. Carmela Gensoli sought to convene the local drinking water monitoring council, regulate water refilling stations and close those with no business permit amid a surge in cases.

Ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae is the main cause of cholera, provincial health officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang said.