Typhoid cases increasing

MANILA, Philippines — At least 17,531 typhoid cases have been recorded in the country this year, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In its latest disease surveillance report, the DOH said the cases, which were reported from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, showed an increase of 38 percent compared to 12,693 cases during the same period last year.

The Cordillera Administrative Region reported the highest number of cases at 2,861 followed by Northern Mindanao with 1,932 and Mimaropa, 1,413.

Central Luzon recorded the highest increase in cases at 192 percent or from 334 cases last year to 975 this year.

Mimaropa posted an increase in cases at 151 percent or from 563 to 1,413. Soccsksargen logged an increase of 119 percent or from 512 to 1,123.

Data from the DOH Epidemiology Bureau showed that there were 63 deaths due to typhoid fever this year.

Fifty-six deaths were recorded last year.

Central Visayas recorded the highest number of typhoid-related deaths with 11 followed by Cagayan Valley with eight.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao recorded six deaths.

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