AT LEAST 447 suspected cases and nine deaths due to typhoid fever have been recorded in Central Visayas, said the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, cluster head of the Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (Resu)-Central Visayas, told reporters that 218 cases of bacterial infection were reported in Cebu Province, 150 cases in Negros Oriental, 77 cases in Bohol, and two cases in Siquijor.
The data, she added, were based on the total cumulative cases of typhoid fever logged from January 1, 2022 to June 22, 2022.
Cañal added that children one year old to 10 years old were the most affected.
She clarified Tuesday that the cases reported in Barili, Cebu are still considered suspected cases, as patients are still subject to further laboratory test to confirm the bacterial infection.
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening disease caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria.
Cañal said persons infected will experience persistent fever, diarrhea, severe headache and body pain.
She reminded the public to practice proper hygiene, especially in food handling, while keeping the surroundings clean and sanitary.