BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Confirmed cholera cases in Negros Occidental has risen to 47, with 43 cases and two deaths in four of five local government units in the 3rd district of the province, according to a report of the Provincial Health Office, as of November 19.
Among the top six LGUs in terms of the number of cholera cases, Talisay City tops the list with 20, 15 cases and one death in Silay City, six cases and one death also in EB Magalona, and two in Victorias City, which are under the 3rd district of Negros Occidental. In the 2nd district, there is one case each in Manapla and Cadiz, PHO reports added.
Negros Occidental recorded zero cholera cases from 2019 to 2021.
On the other hand, Bacolod City logged 21 cholera cases for the period from January to Nov. 12 this year.
City Health Officer Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli reported that the 21 Bacolod City residents who had cholera were among the 307 acute gastroenteritis cases recorded earlier by the CHO.
Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez earlier called for a coordinated drive against cholera in the third district of Negros Occidental, as he underscored the need for monthly, instead of quarterly, monitoring of all water refilling stations and restaurants in the district.
Benitez also discouraged the use of unregistered jetmatic pumps, noting that it is safer for private establishments to connect to their local water districts that are compliant with sanitary standards.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang advised Negrenses to boil drinking water if they are not sure of the cleanliness of the source of water, stressing also that cholera is also derived from unclean food.*
