- BERT BAYORAN
Amid a cholera scare in Negros Occidental, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, said there is no room for panic, stressing that the declaration of its outbreak is more of an “educational campaign” for the public to be extra careful against water contamination.
A cholera outbreak was declared by Mayor Joedith Gallego Sept. 26 in Brgy. Guinhalaran in Silay City, following the death of an 88-year-old female resident, who tested positive for cholera.
Tumimbang also said that two other residents of barangays Guinhalaran and Lantad in Silay, one each in Brgy. Batea, EB Magalona, and Brgy. 6A in Victorias City, were also hit with cholera.
The Department of Health said that it takes only one case of cholera for an outbreak to be declared in a certain area.
“The declaration of an epidemic or outbreak is more of an educational campaign, to inform the people that they have to be extra careful, rather than to hide it,” Tumimbang said. He also recommended the declaration of cholera outbreak in these areas.
“That is one way of telling the people to do the basics in water sanitation and hygiene advocacy,” he added.
Tumimbang stressed that unlike COVID-19, cholera can be treated by antibiotics prescribed by doctors.
Dr. Edmund Janeo, EB Magalona municipal health officer, said they are still investigating the cholera case in Brgy. Batea.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholera. 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./GB
