MANILA, Philippines – The number of typhoid cases in the town of Tuburan, Cebu has climbed to 900, health officials said.
Affected residents showing symptoms of typhoid fever flocked to hospitals to avail of free medicine.
Authorities said several grade 6 pupils will also miss the National Achievement Test on Thursday because they are still confined in the hospital.
Barangay health workers, meanwhile, made the rounds to spread information on the proper use of sodium hypochlorite or bleach, commonly used as a disinfectant.
Based on their findings, drinking water in Tuburan was positive for salmonella. The residents are now in need of mineral water.
According to the health department, only 48% of more than 13,000 households in Tuburan utilize their own comfort room.
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya donated rice and dextrose to the victims of the typhoid outbreak. -- Report from Rico Lucena, ABS-CBN News Central Visayas