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BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental has recorded a 100 percent increase in typhoid cases from Jan. 1-18 this year with two fatalities, provincial health officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan said on Monday.
Pinongan said 80 cases were reported from the first 18 days of 2025 compared to 40 cases reported in the same period last year.
The victims, Pinongan said, are a 69-year old male from Victorias City and a 72-year old female from Isabela town.
In an advisory last week, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has called on the public to be aware of the increasing cases of typhoid fever reported in the province.
He also ordered city and municipal health offices to organize food handler's classes for vendors and food establishment employees.
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Typhoid fever is an infectious disease, which is also known as enteric fever. It spreads through contaminated food and water, or through close contact with someone who is infected.
Symptoms include sustained high fever, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, and abdominal discomfort.
Data showed that Kabankalan City has the most number of typhoid cases with 16 while Hinobaan logged 13 cases.
In its advisory, the provincial government advises the public to avoid drinking untreated water.
"Boil water for drinking, cook food well and always cover to prevent contamination from flies and other insects," the advisory said.
"Consume food within four hours of preparation, avoid eating unsanitary street-vended foods, wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating, and keep surroundings clean and free from garbage to prevent breeding of flies."
Antibiotics may be given to adults as prescribed by a physician, Pinongan said.
