Siquijor Gov. Jake Vincent Villa said despite six confirmed cases of Glanders disease, his province remains safe for residents and tourists.
Villa, in a Facebook post, said the provincial government of Siquijor, in cooperation with the Negros Island Region One Health Task Force, and the Department of Health, continues “to monitor, and maintain the health of the community”.
Despite six confirmed cases of Glanders, a bacterial disease from a sick animal, “it is not something to worry about as the situation is very much under control, and all affected have already received appropriate medication and care”, he said.
Glanders is a condition known in veterinary and human medicine, and there are many effective ways to treat and prevent it, he said.
Villa said Glanders can be avoided with basic hygiene and safety of animals.
Gladers starts with direct contact with sick animals like horses, carabaos, and goats, he said.
It can’t easily spread from one person to another, he added.
Glanders can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed immediately, he said.
Those affected in Siquijor have been identified and are being cared for and surveillance, medical assessments, and contact tracing continue, he said.
Trained health teams are now visiting the community for early detection, he added.
The Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Animal Industry are also conducting animal tests, Villa said.
Regional and national resources are already being used to better support disease management and information for the public, he said.
He reminded the public to avoid contact with a sick animal, and eating meat or drinking milk from sick animals.
“If you have fever, cough, or unusual symptoms, consult your health center immediately,” he said.
Villa also reminded the public to wash hands regularly, especially after outdoor activities or touching animals.*