Four people tested positive for suspected cholera in fast diagnostic tests, according to the city health office in Tacloban City, increasing the total number of probable cases of the bacterial infection to six.
Dr. Danilo Ecarma, the city health officer, stated that all four of the latest positive cases were residents of Barangay 106 in Sto. Nio, from where 80% of the individuals who had diarrhoea and vomiting originated.
One of the most populated barangays in the city, it is home to 12 long-term housing complexes for those who were displaced by Typhoon “Yolanda.”
Ecarma, however, revealed that unless a confirmatory test is performed to demonstrate it, the six people whose stool samples showed positive for the bacterium in the fast test could not still be classed as positive “cholera” cases.
As a result of severe cases of dehydration, he continued, 56 patients are currently being held in confinement at the government-run Tacloban City Hospital and Eastern Visayas Medical Center. Private tertiary hospitals with admissions related to comparable occurrences included Divine Word Hospital, Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Hospital, and Ace Medical Center.
Additionally, a rise in the number of persons visiting the seven local health clinics for advice on cholera infection, diarrhea, and other potential water-borne illnesses was noted. Some of these patients were also suffering vomiting.
Ecarma said that there is a plentiful supply of oresol and antibiotics available at all community health centers for use in treating people who have moderate cholera infection symptoms.
The city health official noted that in order to slow the spread of the infection quickly, he will suggest limiting the movement of citizens who are exhibiting cholera symptoms.
“There is a risk that you will transfer the bacteria if you are a carrier of the infection and you defecate in a non-infected area,” Ecarma stated.
The city’s sanitary engineer and the office for business permits and licenses were previously tasked by Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez with inspecting all water refilling stations in the city to ensure they complied with all legal standards and routine water testing.
In seven barangays where instances were documented, Romualdez also commanded a testing of all water sources, including residential faucets and deep wells.
Recall that two people have lost their lives as a result of acute dehydration brought on by vomiting and diarrhea: a 61-year-old elderly person and a 10-month-old newborn.
