The Cagayan Provincial Health Office said on Friday, Dec. 6, that 21 individuals have suffered from melioidosis in the province.
Eleven victims died and 10 recovered, it said.
The victims were from Camalaniugan, Santa Ana, Alcala, Baggao, Buguey, Claveria, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Piat, Santo Niño, Solana, Tuao, and Tuguegarao City.
Camalaniugan and Santa Ana reported two fatalities each. The other towns recorded a single fatality.
HEALTH officials discuss ways against the spread of melioidosis in Cagayan in a virtual forum on Thursday, Dec. 5.
Meanwhile, measures to prevent the spread of melioidosis were discussed in a virtual forum on Thursday, Dec. 5, led by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rebecca Battung.
Salvador said that it is difficult to identify a person with melioidosis because patients must first undergo a blood culture that takes five days before the result is released.
The fatality rate is high among individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, lung disease, kidney disease, and heavy drinkers.
The Cagayan Provincial Information Office said that the number of cases increased since the onset of the rainy season in August.
Melioidosis is caused by the bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei or B. pseudomallei and spread to people and animals through direct contact with contaminated soil, air, or water.