THE Department of Health yesterday reported a
suspected cholera outbreak in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat that has
already killed 20 residents from July 27 to August 6.
DOH National Epidemiology Center (NEC) chief
Dr. Eric Tayag said they are still awaiting laboratory
confirmation if it was cholera that downed another 141 people.
"The victims have manifested symptoms of
cholera but we are still waiting for the results of the
laboratory examinations to confirm their illness," he said.
He said Palimbang's water sources which are
mostly open wells and river were found positive for the E coli
virus. The E coli virus is a large and diverse group of bacteria
that can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infection, pneumonia,
respiratory illness and other diseases.
Barangay Maibuk had the largest number of
incidents with 114 cases and 17 deaths. Barangay Napon had 30
cases with three deaths, and Barongis and Wal villages had two
and one cases, respectively.
Tayag said DOH personnel have already been sent to the area
in a bid to control the outbreak. He also urged affected
residents to boil their drinking water and observe proper
hygiene. - Gerard M. Naval
