THE number of suspected cholera cases in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental has climbed to more than 1,500 after residents started rushing to hospitals for merely suffering stomach illness.

Dr. Eric Tayag, head of the Department of Health-National Epidemiology Center (DOH-NEC), said that not only individuals with diarrhea are going to the hospitals but even those who have simple stomach pains.

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"We cannot drive away them if they want to see a doctor," Tayag said.

The victims were brought to the Tagoloan Polymedic General Hospital in Tagoloan, Sabat Community Hospital in Puerto, and Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Tayag said the patients were showing cholera symptoms, but the DOH is still verifying this by examining blood and stool samples taken from the victims.

The health department theorized that contaminated water supply triggered the outbreak.

Meanwhile, Tayag said they are still awaiting the results of the laboratory tests conducted on the water samples taken from the water supply system.

DOH Director for Cagayan de Oro Jaime Bernadas, in his report to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, said the water supply became "turbid" after a heavy rain last week.

Nine out of 10 barangays in Tagoloan were affected. Only Barangay Rosario is not hit by the outbreak.

According to Duque, two residents have already died. He said cholera is highly preventable not only by observing sanitation and personal hygiene, but also if treated immediately. (MSN/Sunnex)

For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Dumaguete.

(November 20, 2008 issue)
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