Phl cholera cases jump 282%
Overall, the agency reported a total of 67 deaths due to cholera, which is higher compared to the case fatality rate of 0.8 percent in the same period last year
The Philippines logged a total of 5,860 cholera cases from 1 January to 26 November, 282 percent higher compared to reported cases in the same period last year, the Department of Health has said.
A total of 1,534 cases of cholera, an acute diarrheal illness caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholerae, was recorded last year.
"Most of these cholera cases were reported from Region 8 (3,620 or 62 percent), Region 11 (810 or 14 percent), Region 3 (336 or 6 percent)," the DoH said.
In the recent four weeks alone, during which 640 cholera cases were recorded, the following regions reported the highest number of cases: Region 8 with 472, Region 6 with 50, and Region 3 with 37.
Overall, the agency reported a total of 67 deaths due to cholera, which is higher compared to the case fatality rate of 0.8 percent in the same period last year.
Despite the significant increase, the health department said no local government units have declared an outbreak as cases have remained manageable.
"We have many teams on-ground addressing our current cholera cases, while we further strengthen our surveillance and response systems nationwide," Health Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
Vergeire also emphasized that the DoH has been working to urgently improve its systems to lessen the impact of natural disasters on the nation's health.
To reduce this number, the agency said it will continue to provide the necessary assistance in critical areas to ensure patients have access to treatments and clean drinking water.
"As cholera is caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water, a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach is warranted," the department said.