The confirmed cholera cases in Negros Occidental reached 76 on Tuesday, December 27, Dr. Jessica Fama, Medical Specialist 3 of the Provincial Health Office, said.
If the suspected cases with no laboratory confirmation are included, then the number would be 144, Fama said.
The cholera deaths remain at three with one each in EB Magalona, Silay City and Murcia.
The rise in cholera cases in the province has slowed down lately, she said.
The basic solution to the spread of cholera is proper sanitation, she said.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. People can get sick when they swallow food or water contaminated with the cholera bacteria, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said.
The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe and life-threatening, it added.*