NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday, September 22, that local water refilling stations in the province are being closely monitored by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) after a reported case of cholera in Bacolod City.
"We have no report as far as the province is concerned based on the information I gathered from the Provincial Health Office (but) if that happens, we will have to address it," Lacson said.
He also issues a reminder to the public to be very particular about the source of water.
“If you have to boil it you have to. This usually happens when it rains, if there's flood. We should always be vigilant," Lacson said.
“We are very particular about the local brands. We really have to check on their water stations," the governor stressed.
While there are no cholera cases yet in Negros Occidental, the public is still urged be cautious about the food and water they are taking as they may be contaminated.
Negros Occidental Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang earlier issued this warning following the reported confirmed cholera case in Bacolod City on September 19, 2022.
The patient was a 37-year-old female, who was admitted at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in the city.
In a related development, the Bacolod City Council has approved a resolution requesting the City Health Office (CHO), through the office of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, to immediately act and conduct interventions on the reported incidence of cholera and severe diarrhea in several barangays of the city.
The resolution authored by Councilor Simplicia Distrito was approved during the regular session of the City Council Wednesday, September 21.
Distrito, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Human Resource and Development and Social Services, said there have been reported cases of cholera in some barangays, particularly in Barangay Mansilingan and severe cases of diarrhea in Barangay Singcang-Airport, recently.
“The urgent intervention of our City Health Office is necessary to contain and to prevent the same from affecting more individuals,” she said.
Distrito added the CHO is also requested to have proper coordination with the barangays to ensure prompt action on the matter and to assist them in conducting massive information dissemination campaign.
It is the thrust of the state to ensure the health and sanitation of its inhabitants, the official said.
Dr. Grace Tan, head of Environment Sanitation Division of CHO, earlier advised the public to get water for drinking only from refilling stations with updated bacteriological monitoring.
Tan likewise reminded the public to ensure that water pipes or hoses from Baciwa-PrimeWater have no holes or bandages as contamination may seep in.*