Bacolod City: The City Health Office (CHO) here issued an advisory on Tuesday regarding increasing cases of typhoid as reported by its epidemiology and surveillance unit. Data showed that from Jan. 1 to March 22, some 27 cases of this infectious disease, also known as enteric fever, were reported, higher by 145.5 percent compared to only 11 cases during the same period last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environment Sanitation Division, advised residents to seek medical attention if experiencing signs and symptoms of typhoid fever. Symptoms include sustained high fever, headache, malaise or weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, and abdominal discomfort. Antibiotic treatment is given by a physician upon consultation.

Typhoid is caused by salmonella typhi bacteria, which spreads through contaminated food and water or through close contact with someone who is infected. In its advisory, the CHO emphasized prevention measures such as washing hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet and before eating, drinking only clear water or boiling water for three minutes if unsure, and conducting water chlorination.

The CHO also recommended cooking food well and covering it to prevent contamination from flies and other insects, as well as thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables if they are to be eaten uncooked. CHO data showed only one case was recorded from March 16 to 22 and three cases each from March 9 to 15 and March 2 to 8.

Meanwhile, the CHO reported 74 cases of rotavirus, the most common cause of severe diarrhea among children below five years old, from Jan. 1 to March 22. The health office identified poor sanitation and hygiene as top risk factors for rotavirus, leading to contamination of food and water.