MANILA -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) stepped up to aid residents of Negros Occidental after several cholera cases were recorded in the municipalities of Bacolod City, Silay City, EB Magalona, Victorias City, and Talisay City. As of October 21, the province reported a total of 26 confirmed cases and 78 suspected cases wherein the local governments of Silay City and EB Magalona have already declared a cholera outbreak.
Thereby, the PRC Negros Occidental Bacolod City Chapter conducted a handwashing session and Zero Open Defecation Campaign for 237 individuals. Water tankers, bladders, and water purification kits have also been put on standby for immediate deployment. This Hygiene Promotion Program of the PRC aims to deliver information on proper sanitation and hygiene to prevent water and sanitation-related diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera. According to the Department of Health, it only takes one case of cholera for an outbreak to be declared in a certain area. (Philippine Red Cross)
