Epidemic Hazard - Philippines

GLIDE CODE: EP-2006-08-30-7409-PHL
Date & Time: 2006-08-30 12:38:13 [UTC]
Area: Philippines Samar, , Catbalogan ( MAP)

Description:

Suspected cases of typhoid fever at the Samar Provincial Hospital is manageable, said Dr. Rodulf Mabulay, Chief of Hospital in an interview, today August 30, 2006. An alarming report of 21 cases prompted some mediamen, PIA included, to seek the physician about the cases. Mabulay explained that, "It does not necessarily mean that the symptoms could mean typhoid fever." Symptoms experienced by patients like body malaise, fever and pains may also mean other diseases, the doctor clarified. Based on readings on the disease, typhoid fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium salmonella typhi. It is transmitted by food and water which has been contaminated with the typhoid victims as carrier. The bacteria which infect only man, enter the lymph stream through the intestines and pass into the blood, where they penetrate other organs. Anent to this, the doctor advised patients to be wary of street food bought because one may never know how safe they are. He add! ed that it is better to purchase food from sources known to have sanitary food preparation practices.

The suspected cases have yet to be confirmed following the outcome of laboratory results. The hospital has also dispatched some personnel from the Technical Services Division to investigate the area, where these patients come from, Mabulay assured the media. From data gathered from the ward, patients of the suspected disease come from Paranas, Hinabangan and Jiabong. One patient named Janine Angustia, 13 from Jiaan, Jiabong told PIA that she has been having fever for two weeks before she was brought to the hospital. Now that she has been treated for a few days, she said, she felt better though she is advised to stay for a few more days. When the doctor was asked about the two mortality (death) cases, Mabulay explained that the patients were brought to seek medical attention too late to be redeemed. He then said he would issue a health advisory to urge the public to seek medical attention early on, so that he said complications will be avoided. When complications set in, it c! ould cause death, he said. He advised the public, that on the onset of fever, seek medical intervention and not to do self treatment. It might be dangerous, he made it clear. The Samar Provincial Hospital is ready to give medical services, the doctor assured.

Damage level: Moderate