Typhoid downs 101 in Eastern Samar

MANILA, Philippines - At least 101 people have been afflicted with typhoid fever in Eastern Samar since July 24, officials reported yesterday.

Most of the victims were students of Maypangdan National High School in Borongan City.

As of yesterday, 16 remained confined in hospitals, while others are recuperating at home, Boyd Cerro, government nurse, said during a press conference Monday.

Cerro said they traced the cause of the disease to the school’s water source, which tested positive for Escherichia coli or the bacteria found in human waste.

He said they have taken steps to prevent further infections and are monitoring ambulant vendors around local schools.