ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has warned the public about the rise in typhoid fever cases.
From January 1 to February 24, there have been 62 – a 24 percent increase from the 50 reported in the same period in 2023.
The municipalities recording the highest incidences included Calinog (six cases), Sara (five), Dumangas (five), Concepcion (three), Barotac Nuevo (three), Banate (three), Barotac Viejo (three), Badiangan (two), San Miguel (two), and Janiuay (two).
Other areas reporting typhoid cases were Passi City, Anilao, San Dionisio, Balasan, Estancia, Lambunao, and Carles, each with two cases; and Pavia, New Lucena, Bingawan, Guimbal, Leon, Ajuy, San Joaquin, Lemery, Miag-ao, Oton, Tigbauan, Dueñas, Pototan, and San Rafael, each reporting one case.
This brings the total number of towns affected this year to 31, with 12 towns currently reporting zero cases.
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, which is transmitted through ingesting food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected individual.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO, explained, “Consuming food contaminated with significant amounts of Salmonella bacteria can lead to bloodstream infection and cause fever.”
Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, chills, and muscle ache.
If not properly treated, typhoid fever can last one to three weeks and may lead to serious intestinal issues or even become life-threatening.
Quiñon urged individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly for proper case management to prevent deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that typhoid fever is treatable with antibiotics, although antimicrobial resistance has been increasing, necessitating more complex and expensive treatment options.
Even after symptoms have subsided, individuals may continue to carry the typhoid bacteria, hence the importance of completing antibiotic treatment, practicing good hygiene, and getting tested to ensure the bacteria has been fully eradicated, to avoid spreading the infection./PN
