Typhoid cases rise 101%

MANILA, Philippines — An increase in typhoid cases was recorded in the country since January, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported.

In its latest disease surveillance report, the DOH said 3,285 typhoid cases were reported from Jan. 1 to March 18, an increase of 101 percent compared to the 1,633 during the same period last year.

The Cordillera Administrative Region reported the highest number of cases at 609 followed by Northern Mindanao with 423 and Mimaropa, 327.

Mimaropa recorded the highest increase in cases at 361 percent  or from 71 to 327 cases.

Calabarzon posted an increase of cases at 321 percent or from 34 to 143 while Western Visayas logged an increase of 286 percent or from 76 to 293.

Data from the DOH Epidemiological Bureau showed that 11 persons died due to typhoid fever from January to March, the total number of deaths recorded last year.

Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao recorded the highest number of typhoid-related deaths with two each.

Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Metro Manila reported one death each due to typhoid fever.

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water.