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TACLOBAN CITY – Nine persons died while 3,683 others fell ill with cholera in Eastern Visayas from January to September this year.
The number was four percent higher than the 3,556 cases recorded in the same period in 2022, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
“We have monitored an increase albeit a slight increase at just four percent of cholera cases in the region,” said Joseph Pica, health program officer of the DOH in Eastern Visayas.
Of the total cases, 2,996 were treated in hospitals while the rest recovered through home treatment.
Eastern Samar and Samar provinces recorded three deaths each, Leyte had two, and Northern Samar had one. Most of the patients who died of cholera were children.
The youngest fatality was a seven-month-old boy while the oldest was a 93-year-old woman. The latest death was recorded on July 13.
Pica said that cholera is a preventable disease though could be fatal if not detected or treated early.
To prevent cholera, one should properly wash their hands, especially after using the bathroom; make sure that the source of drinking water is safe and not contaminated with bacteria and to boil drinking water for at least five minutes.
He also advised the public to clean all utensils, equipment, and surfaces before and after cooking; thoroughly wash and cook all meat, seafood, and vegetables; and eat food while it is still hot.
“Also ensure that our surroundings are clean. We should always have a clean and healthy environment as it influences our overall health and well-being,” Pica said.
READ: DOH: Cholera still ‘year-round’ disease in PH
In a report, the DOH said 1,390 cases came from communities that lack access to safe drinking water.
The DOH has intensified its information drive to avert the spread of cholera.
The health department also strengthened their technical assistance to local governments to end the outbreak in some areas.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholerae.
Symptoms will manifest between 12 hours to five days after ingesting contaminated food or water.
Its symptoms include acute diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration.
The World Health Organization said the illness affects children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated.
Aside from cholera, contaminated water can also cause acute gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, dysentery, and amoebiasis, the DOH said.