THE Department of Health in the Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) is now validating the possible cases of Glanders disease in Siquijor Island.
Dr. Razel Nikka Hao, DOH-NIR regional director, said that for now, test results are being validated.
"We are caring for the patients, and DOH, together with the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the local government unit (LGU) are moving to prevent further spread of disease from sick animals," she said.
She added that human-to-human transmission for zoonotic diseases like Glanders is very rare.
Hao noted that these cases are treatable with early detection and available treatment.
"We remind the public not to eat or interact with sick animals, and report these to the city vets," Hao said.
Glanders is a disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei and is primarily spread through direct contact with infected animals, entering the body through skin breaks or mucosal surfaces.
Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan, Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office head, said they are also coordinating with the DOH-NIR to impose some measures for the possible cases of Glanders disease in Siquijor.
She said it was only reported in Siquijor and there are no Glanders cases in Negros Occidental.
"We will wait for the final report of the DOH-NIR so we can prepare to prevent the possible entry of Glanders disease in the province," she added. (MAP)