Philippines: Typhoid advisory in Bacolod City
Officials with the Bacolod City Health Office (CHO), on the province of Negros Occidental, issued a health advisory today over the increases in typhoid fever.
Data showed that from Jan. 1 to March 22, some 27 cases of this infectious disease also known as enteric fever, were reported. This is up by 145.5 percent compared to the 11 cases during the same period last year.
In its advisory, the CHO said prevention includes washing hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet and before eating, as well as, drinking only clear water, if unsure, boil water for three minutes or do water chlorination.
Cook food well and always cover food to prevent contamination from flies and other insects and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables if to be eaten uncooked, it added.
“Go to the nearest barangay health station or center, or consult with your personal physician if experiencing signs and symptoms of typhoid fever,” Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environment Sanitation Division, said.
Typhoid fever is a serious disease caused by Salmonella Typhi (Typhi) bacteria. The bacteria spread through contaminated food and water and person-to-person contact.
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Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, constipation or diarrhea, cough, and loss of appetite. Typhoid fever can be fatal without appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Typhoid risk is higher in populations that lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation, and children are at highest risk.
Typhoid fever is common in places with poor sanitation and a lack of safe drinking water. Access to safe water and adequate sanitation, hygiene among food handlers and typhoid vaccination are all effective in preventing typhoid fever.