[ad_1]
BACOLOD, Negros Occidental: One of five cholera victims in the province died on September 22, as residents were reminded not to panic but were advised to remain cautious.
Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer, has reminded Negros Occidental residents to observe extra measures in cleanliness in preparing water to drink and food for consumption.
This comes after an 88-year-old woman from Barangay Guinhalaran, Silay City, who was admitted to the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital (TLJPH) on September 17, died on September 22.
“The 88-year-old, was living alone, was a high-risk patient because of her age,” Tumimbang said.
The two other Silay City residents hit with cholera were a 22-year-old female from Hacienda Consolacion, Guinhalaran, and a 29-year-old female from Barangay Lantad, who was also confined at the TLJPH, Tumimbang said.
Tumimbang said if an area has had no cholera cases for four years and a resident tests positive, an outbreak can be declared in the affected village.
Guinhalaran, Silay on cholera outbreak
Silay Mayor Joedith Gallego said he has declared a cholera outbreak in Guinhalaran and water samples have been taken for testing. The declaration of an outbreak should be immediate to avoid a delay in informing residents to take precautions, Tumimbang said.
The two others hit with cholera are a 30-year-old female from Sitio Tinapok, Barangay Batea, EB Magalona, and a 45-year-old female from Sitio Pasil, Barangay 6A Victorias, City.
Samples from the water source of the victims had been taken and sent on Wednesday, to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Manila for analysis.
Tumidbang also said that unlike Covid-19 which is viral and can be transmitted through droplets, “cholera is bacterial from unsanitized or infected water and unsanitized food.”
‘Boil drinking water, wash hands for food preparation’
“That is why it is advisable to boil drinking water and wash well and observe sanitary food preparation. Personal hygiene also matters to avoid cholera,” he pointed out.
Tumibang said Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson already came out with an advisory for local government units to make sure sources for potable water are safe for their constituents in their respective localities.
“LGUs should inspect water sources, especially during this rainy season,” Tumimbang said.
“But we have nothing to worry about as this is an isolated case. We will treat this accordingly and we are hoping that there will be no additional cases,” Tumimbang added.
.
[ad_2]
Source link