BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Negros Occidental confirmed yesterday morning another five cases of cholera.
PHO head Dr. Ernell Tumimbang said three cases were recorded in Silay City, one in the town of E.B. Magalona, and one in Victorias City.
“Don’t panic,” Tumimbang said, pointing out that the cases were “isolated”.
Unlike coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is viral and can easily be transmitted, cholera is bacterial and originates from unsanitary water or poorly prepared food, he explained.
Tumimbang advised Negrenses to boil their drinking water first and practice proper hygiene by washing their hands before preparing or eating food.
“Personal hygiene matters to avoid cholera,” he pointed out.
The PHO said Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has already advised all local government units (LGUs) to make sure that their sources of potable water are safe.
“LGUs should inspect water sources especially during this rainy season,” the PHO chief said.
On Tuesday, Sept. 27, an 88-year-old grandmother from Silay City who had recently passed away tested positive for cholera.
Silay City mayor Joedith Gallego said the patient had a different cause of death in her death certificate, although a laboratory test performed at the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital showed she had cholera.
Gallego ordered the Silay City Health Office to check all of the water refilling stations as well as other water sources in the city, particularly in Barangay Guinhalaran where the patient resided.
“Subong mapa-rekorida kami gani, nga dapat ang ila gina-inom tinlu, tapos before magkaon dapat makapanghugas anay sang kamot, limpyo bala nga ginawi,” the mayor added./PN
