Cases of food and water borne illnesses in in Bacolod City have increased to 486, with 17 Acute GastroEnteritis (AGE) related deaths as of December 10, Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, City Health Officer, reported on Saturday, December 17.
Thirty Bacolod residents have tested positive for cholera so far, she said.
There were 23 additional AGE cases reported from December 4 to 10, she also said.
Bacolod barangays with 10 and above AGE cases from September 1 to December 10 are Mansilingan, Banago, Pahanocoy, Handumanan, Singcang, Vista Alegre, Bata, Granada, Taculing, Sum-ag, Cabug, 30, Mandalagan, Estefania, 35, Tangub, Villamonte and Alijis.
To curb the rise in AGE cases the CHO continues to inspect school canteens and toilets, and water refilling stations, Gensoli said.
It is also conducting rapid water testing and disinfection of wells in various barangays, she said.
The CHO has also dewormed ambulant food vendors in several areas in Bacolod City, she added.
Gensoli recommended the continued monthly monitoring of water refilling stations and the full closure of those operating without permits.
The CHO is discouraging water resellers from transferring water from one container to another without appropriate disinfection.
She also said barangays should regulate ambulant food vendors and register them for ease of tracking. Basic food safety courses will be conducted and health certificates will be issued after the seminar, Gensoli said.*