TO PREVENT waterborne diseases which are widespread during the wet season, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH 7) continues to advise the public to maintain proper hygiene in the consumption of food and water.
The DOH 7 recorded 1,476 cases with 59 deaths of acute bloody diarrhea from Jan. 1 to July 24, 2021, which is 39.8 percent lower than the 2,048 cases with 29 deaths for the same period in 2020.
Majority of the cases were from Cebu City with 222 cases and 17 deaths, followed by Lapu-Lapu City with 134 cases and six deaths, Danao with 38 cases, Lazi with 55 cases and Mandaue City with 48 cases and three deaths.
Julius Casalme, Medical Technologist II, DOH 7, said 50.1 percent were males aged four days old to 97 years old, while 36.4 percent were aged one to 10.
On the other hand, the DOH 7 recorded a total of 212 cases and four deaths of typhoid fever. This is 51.92 percent lower compared to the same period in 2020 when there were 441 cases and two deaths.
Most of those affected were 21 years old and above.
Majority of the cases were from Guihulngan City (13.3 percent), followed by Siaton (nine percent), Cebu City (7.1 percent), Barili (5.2 percent) and Canlaon City (5.2 percent).
Casalme said acute bloody diarrhea and typhoid fever are two of the most common waterborne diseases in the region.
He said these diseases can be acquired through the consumption of contaminated food and water and that symptoms include diarrhea, vomitting, loss of appetite and fever.
Casalme urged the public to wash their hands before and after eating, wash raw food properly before cooking, cook the ingredients well, avoid eating beyond the item’s expiration date and maintain clean surroundings. (MVE)