THE first cholera casualty in Negros Occidental in 2023 was a resident of Barangay Patag, Silay City, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, Provincial Health Officer confirmed Thursday, January 19.

This brings the total number of cholera deaths in the province to four since 2022, and the second recorded fatality in Silay.

Other cholera deaths were recorded in Murcia and EB Magalona.

Tumimbang said the latest fatality was a 74-year-old male, who died on January 13.

He said they will send water samples from Barangay Patag, Silay to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicines.

His case was confirmed to be cholera on January 15.

The victim was already a senior citizen and may have been dehydrated already when he was brought to the hospital, Tumimbang said.*