Typhoid cases, deaths increasing

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoid cases in the country has continued to increase with 13,216 reported in the past eight months, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In its latest disease surveillance report, the DOH said the cases reported from Jan. 1 to Aug. 12 represent an increase of 42 percent compared to the 9,336 recorded during the same period last year.

The Cordillera Administrative Region has the highest number of cases at 2,244 followed by Northern Mindanao with 1,538 and Central Visayas, 1038.

Central Luzon recorded the highest increase in cases at 194 percent or from 237 to 697 cases.

Mimaropa posted an increase of 157 percent or from 367 to 945. Soccsksargen logged an increase of 97 percent or from 412 to 813.

Data from the DOH Epidemiology Bureau showed that 47 deaths due to typhoid fever have been recorded so far this year. Last year, 43 deaths were recorded.

Cagayan Valley logged the highest number of typhoid-related deaths with seven.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Central Visayas reported six deaths each while Bicol recorded four.

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water.