DOH-CAR warns public against deadly cholera, food-borne illnesses

Baguio City, Philippines – Department of Health – Cordillera released a warning against the threat of ‘deadly’ cholera and food-borne illnesses caused by unsanitary food preparation practices.

The illnesses, the department said, may come from social gatherings and street foods.

Cholera, as described by the health department, is an acute intestinal infection due to ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera with an incubation period of 1 to 5 days.

The bacterium once in the body produces an enterotoxin that causes a copious, painless, watery diarrhea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if treatment is not promptly given.

If left untreated, a healthy individual may die within 2 to 3 hours.

Cases in Cordillera

In a press briefing on Wednesday, October 26, a nurse at the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the DOH-Cordillera, Karen Lonogan, reported that in the past three weeks, two confirmed cases of cholera were recorded in Baguio City and Mountain Province while a suspected case was logged in Apayao.

Meanwhile, 77 cases of food-borne illnesses were recorded in Baguio City. The said individuals caught the illness from attending a social gathering.

At least 14 people in Kalinga province who likewise attended a gathering were affected, while 10 cases, including one death in Abra, were recorded.

In Ifugao, 41 students who ate street food were affected of the same illness.

Symptoms

In an advisory, the regional health department said the symptoms of cholera include diarrhea; vomiting; and dehydration.

Treatment

Cholera may be treated by replacing lost body fluid by giving Oral Rehydration Solution (ORESOL) or a homemade solution composed of 1 teaspoon of salt, 4 teaspoons of sugar mixed in 1 liter of water. If diarrhea persists, consult health workers or bring the patient to the nearest hospital.

Prevention and Control

To prevent cholera and food-borne illnesses:

•Drink only safe and clean water. If unsure, boil drinking water (Upon reaching boiling

point, extend boiling for 3 or more minutes), or do water chlorination;

•Keep food away from insects and rats by covering it;

•Wash and cook food properly;

•Dispose of human waste properly;

•Use the toilet properly and clean the toilet every day;

•Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating; and

•Keep surroundings clean to prevent flies and other insects and rodents from breeding.

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