Over 100 ill with suspected cholera in Zamboanga City

By: Julie S. Alipala - 10 years ago

Digital illustration of cholera bacteria. FILE PHOTO

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A 7-month-old baby died of dehydration while more than 100 residents of Barangay (village) Limpapa, some 42 kilometers from this city proper, have fallen ill with suspected cholera.

Limpapa village chief Antonio Lacaser told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the number of those who fell sick since Saturday night has been rising.

“We have more than 50 cases brought to the nearby district hospital while more than 30 others were rushed to hospitals downtown. There are more than 40 individuals who opted to be attended by our midwife,” Lacaser said.

Three of the patients who were brought to a private hospital showed signs that they were “suffering from cholera,” Lacaser said.

Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, city health officer, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, by phone that it was too early to say that there was a cholera outbreak.

“Right now we suspect cholera and we are conducting rectal swab and results will be available by tomorrow (Monday),” Agbulos said.

He said the patients complained of loose bowel movement.

A 7-month-old baby died of pneumonia and dehydration, Lacaser said. Lenny Gumandao said her uncle Rodrigo Gumandao, aunt Nimfa and cousin Jimmy de Castro complained of severe stomach pain, LBM and vomiting on Saturday.

Gumandao said when they arrived at the Labuan District Hospital, there were only nine patients. “But in a matter of minutes, the hospital was crowded with more patients, more than 50 patients and more were arriving,” she said.

Lacaser said the only physician on duty at the Labuan District Hospital “turned down some patients.”

The village leader suspects that water was the cause of suspected cholera. Residents in the village have only one source of water.