By GMA TV
A cholera outbreak in Alamada town, Cotabato province, where at least
eight people died after showing symptoms, was confirmed Friday afternoon
by the province Gov. Lala Mendoza.
Mendoza said that the outbreak was confirmed after samples from the town were tested.
The World Health Organization defined cholera as an "acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae."
Cholera has a short incubation period of a maximum of five days. It produces an enterotoxin that causes a "painless, watery diarrhea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if treatment is not promptly given."
Vomiting also occurs in most patients.
Mendoza said that the outbreak was confirmed after samples from the town were tested.
The World Health Organization defined cholera as an "acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae."
Cholera has a short incubation period of a maximum of five days. It produces an enterotoxin that causes a "painless, watery diarrhea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if treatment is not promptly given."
Vomiting also occurs in most patients.
Mendoza said the tests had included chemical, bacteriological for water, and rectal swabs.
According
to a separate report from GMA News stringer Garry Fuerzas, health
officer Dra. Rosario Bandala said they examined more than 700 patients.
Of these, 438 tested positive for Vibrio Cholerae.
Figures from the Alamada Municipal Health Office showed 769 were brought to hospitals or clinics, with 438 testing positive for Vibrio Cholerae.
The governor said the Department of Health, the provincial government and Alamada local government unit were "now taking intervention to control this outbreak."
Alamada Municipal Administrator Robin Cadava said a state of calamity, which was first declared last Wednesday, would remain over Alamada until the patients recover. The state of calamity allows the local government to use its calamity fund.
Meanwhile, Town Councilor Nolie Doromal added they had allocated P986,000 in calamity funds to help the patients.
Relatives of the eight fatalities had been given financial aid, according to the governor.
Figures from the Alamada Municipal Health Office showed 769 were brought to hospitals or clinics, with 438 testing positive for Vibrio Cholerae.
The governor said the Department of Health, the provincial government and Alamada local government unit were "now taking intervention to control this outbreak."
Alamada Municipal Administrator Robin Cadava said a state of calamity, which was first declared last Wednesday, would remain over Alamada until the patients recover. The state of calamity allows the local government to use its calamity fund.
Meanwhile, Town Councilor Nolie Doromal added they had allocated P986,000 in calamity funds to help the patients.
Relatives of the eight fatalities had been given financial aid, according to the governor.
New patients
A
report by GMA Davao's Jan Bautista on "24 Oras" Wednesday evening added
several residents had gone to the local community hospital for
treatment. They complained of vomiting, loose bowel movement, stomach
pains, and dizziness.
Dr. Mary Joy Posada, chief of the Alamada Community Hospital, said in a Phlippine News Agency report that though many patients had been discharged, new patients kept complaining of stomach pain and diarrhea.
“On Monday, the patients came by batches, by 20s, even 50s, on board trucks and military vehicles,” Posada said. She added only about 178 remained in the hospital.
Still, she said the situation was better compared to the previous few days.
Hospital figures showing 600 patients were vomiting, had diarrhea and stomach pain. More than 70 percent of them have recovered and returned home.
Dr. Mary Joy Posada, chief of the Alamada Community Hospital, said in a Phlippine News Agency report that though many patients had been discharged, new patients kept complaining of stomach pain and diarrhea.
“On Monday, the patients came by batches, by 20s, even 50s, on board trucks and military vehicles,” Posada said. She added only about 178 remained in the hospital.
Still, she said the situation was better compared to the previous few days.
Hospital figures showing 600 patients were vomiting, had diarrhea and stomach pain. More than 70 percent of them have recovered and returned home.
— Joel Locsin/DVM, GMA News
