There were 18 suspected cholera cases and two deaths in Manapla, Negros Occidental, this week, Mayor Manuel Escalante said Friday, November 18.
A 74-year-old male who had long been bedridden died of dehydration on Thursday, while the cause of death of a 34-year-old male on Wednesday still has to be determined, he said.
Escalante said health authorities were not informed that the two were ill, they only found out after they died.
There were also eight suffering from diarrhea and vomiting who were brought to the Manapla Rural Health Unit from Monday to Wednesday, five on Thursday and five on Friday, some of whom have since been discharged, he added
Although they had symptoms of cholera, no confirmatory laboratory test results were available, he said.
The mayor said the temporary Manapla market and pala-pala have been disinfected, and the sale of ice scramble and juices have been stopped in the meantime.
A massive information drive is underway and samples have been taken from water sources for testing, Escalante said.*