BACOLOD CITY — The provincial government of Negros Occidental and the local government here is urging the public to be cautious on consuming food and water as more cases of cholera — an acute diarrheal illness — have been reported here as of Monday afternoon.

According to the Provincial Health Office, there are now 12 confirmed cases from the previous seven with Silay City having five; E.B. Magalona, four; Talisay City, two; and Victorias City, one — all in the province's third district adjacent to Bacolod.

Of the 12 cases, two had died, which were reported in Silay and E.B. Magalona.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Lacson disclosed that local chief executives are doing their best to control the infection and also looking into the operations of private water refilling stations.

"We hope there will be no more fatalities," Lacson said.

Meantime, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer, said that the PHO will send another recommendation to the affected local government units to step up the monitoring of their water facilities.

In Bacolod, nine cases were reported in Barangays Sum-ag and Granada, two each as well as Mansilingan, Alijis, Tangub, Handumanan and Barangay 40, one each.

The number has increased by six from only three reported last week.

"We are on the alert level," said city health officer Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli and advised residents to practice the WASH strategy to avoid food and water-borne diseases.

This means using safe and potable water for drinking and domestic use; observing and practicing sanitation at all times through proper waste disposal as well as encouraging and promoting zero open defecation; and exercising and making hygiene a habit.

Gensoli said an individual must seek early treatment if experiencing bowel movement more than thrice a day with vomiting.

Meanwhile, out of the 257 water refilling stations inspected in Bacolod, only 135 were found to have permits.