By JEN BAYLON

The death toll from typhoid fever in Negros Occidental has risen to three, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.

The typhoid-related deaths include a 72-year-old woman from Isabela town, a 69-year-old man from Victorias City, and a 48-year-old man from Silay City, PHO data revealed.

The province has witnessed a significant increase in typhoid fever cases this year, with a total of 344 recorded as of March 15.

This marks a substantial rise of 91.11 percent, compared to the cases recorded in the same period last year.

Kabankalan City recorded the highest number of cases, with 78.

The age group most affected by the disease is between 11 and 20 years old.

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, is commonly spread through contaminated food and water or close contact with infected individuals.

Its symptoms include sustained high fever, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, and abdominal discomfort.

The provincial government advised the public to boil drinking water before consumption to prevent the spread of the disease.

Residents are urged to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly before and after eating meals, and ensure that food is properly cooked and covered to prevent contamination.

Local health officials are also working to educate the public on preventive measures against the illness and to improve sanitation and access to safe drinking water in affected areas./JB, WDJ