BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A cholera outbreak was declared yesterday by Mayor Joedith Gallego in Brgy. Guinhalaran, Silay City, Negros Occidental, after the recent death of a resident of the barangay, an 88-year-old woman.
Gallego disclosed that the woman, who died and was buried in three days, tested positive for cholera, based on the result of a laboratory examination.
The Department of Health says that it takes only one case of cholera for an outbreak to be declared in a certain area.
Gallego said that samples taken from water sources in Brgy. Guinhalaran will be sent to Manila today, to check for coliform bacteria that causes cholera, as he also ordered the checking of all water refilling stations in Silay City.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Most of those infected will have no or mild symptoms and can be successfully treated with oral rehydration solutions, according to the World Health Organization.
Gallego added that they have a suspected case of cholera in Brgy. Lantad, Silay City, wherein the patient, who is now in stable condition, is being closely monitored by the City Health Office, pending results of the laboratory test.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang yesterday said that they recommended the declaration of a cholera outbreak in Brgy. Guinhalaran, Silay City, and the checking of water sources and refilling stations.
Tumimbang also stressed the need to start chlorinating water in areas identified with cholera, and the boiling of water, if needed for consumption.
He also recommended the activation of local water drinking committee in Silay City.
On the other hand, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson required all water refilling stations in Negros Occidental to post Water Bacteriological Test results monthly as part of precautionary measures against Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE), where most cases can be traced back to contaminated shallow wells.
Lacson, in his advisory, said AGE is a preventable disease “that requires us to be precautious about the water we use and practice good sanitation and hygiene in our immediate community.”
All water refilling stations are strongly encouraged by the Provincial Health Office to timely post their bacteriological test results, the governor said.
Lacson also advised the public to check the test results, which aims to ensure that the water provider is following the prescribed Rules and Regulations.*
