Typhoid cases in Barili now 98

CEBU, Philippines —  The number of people suffering from typhoid fever in Barili town since the start of the year has reached 98, according to the data from the Cebu Provincial Health Office (PHO).

Of the number, 19 patients were admitted as of yesterday in the town’s infirmary, which only has a 10-bed capacity.

At the Barili District Hospital, which is a 25-bed facility, 35 patients were confined.

Patients at the two facilities are mostly from barangays Mantayupan ug Gunting. They experienced 10 to 14 days of fever, diarrhea and stomach pain.

Three individuals have died from the illness since the start of the year. They were residents of Barangay Sta. Ana, Poblacion and Gunting.

The municipal government through its Information Office's Facebook page said it is strengthening the monitoring of the water pipes for possible leakages as well as the water sources.

The PHO, in its inspection report, said personnel from the province and the LGU have conducted water sampling from 16 water sources for testing for possible e-coli.

"2 water sources failed in the bacteriological test, Dakitanong Pundok Inc. and BARWA," the PHO said.

The local government unit has been conducting chlorination of its water sources.

Third district Representative Pablo John "PJ" Garcia, who visited the patients at the hospital, promised to use his personal funds to purchase vitamin B-complex for the patients for their fast recovery.

According to Garcia, Dr. Rene Gandionco, Medical Officer IV of Barili District Hospital, said the situation at the facility is "significantly improving."

Patients are expected to receive financial assistance from councilor and incoming Barili mayor John-John Garcia.

"With the help of DSWD-7 and the office of Hon. John-John Garcia, nag-coordinate na ta sa tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya aron sila mahatagan og minimum P5,000 nga hinabang, aron mo gaan-gaan ang ilang mga tulubagon sa tambal ug sa bill sa ospital. Amounts will vary depending on the needs of each family," PJ Garcia said in his Facebook post.

The Capitol has sent antibiotics (azithromycin), NS1 test kits, and 70% chlorine granules as initial assistance to the patients.

The PHO has recommended to the LGU the inspection of pipelines for possible leakages, purchase of chlorinator for all water reservoirs, disinfection of water reservoirs and the immediate search for the sources of the contamination. – LPM (FREEMAN)