SAN FERNANDO, Sibuyan Island, Philippines -- The number of typhoid cases reached 85 in Romblon town as of Friday but officials said the suspected outbreak was not caused by the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars off Sibuyan Island.

Romblon Governor Nathaniel Beltran told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a phone interview that the cases of typhoid fever could have been caused by a contamination in the water reservoir of Romblon town.

He said the typhoid victims, with ages ranging from 9-30 years old, are residents of the villages of Caticlan and Barangay Dos.

The Romblon District Hospital has been admitting patients stricken with typhoid fever a week after typhoon "Frank" (international codename: Fengshen) hit the province.

"It is impossible this is related to MV Princess because Romblon town is so far from the vessel," Beltran said, adding they are now monitoring possible contamination in the water reservoir.

After typhoid cases began to rise, the reservoir was closed down upon the order of the governor.

"We are checking if there was a leakage," he said.

Beltran said the number of cases was no longer increasing, "but we don't want to be complacent. We should treat this with utmost priority."

This week, financial and medical assistance started to pour in Romblon town.

"We really need help. Most of the victims could not afford hospitalization because of the fish ban and fish scare," he said.