BACOLOD City – The Department of Health – Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) is currently validating a suspected case of Glanders disease reportedly from one of the provinces in the region.
In a statement released on May 19, DOH-NIR director Dr. Razel Nikka Hao confirmed that test results related to the possible case are under evaluation.
She did not specify the origin of the specimen but assured that the department, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the local government unit (LGU), is taking measures to care for the patients and prevent the spread of the disease from infected animals.
“Human-to-human transmission of zoonotic diseases such as Glanders is extremely rare,” Hao said. “These cases are treatable with early detection and proper medication.”
She also reminded the public to avoid eating or handling sick animals and to report any suspected cases to local veterinarians.
In Negros Occidental, provincial health authorities are on high alert and closely monitoring for any possible entry or spread of the disease.
Acting Bacolod City mayor El Cid Familiaran confirmed that there are no reported cases in the city as of now. However, he emphasized the need for vigilance, particularly at the province’s entry points and borders.
Dr. Grace Tan, head of the Environmental Sanitation Division of the City Health Office (CHO), stated that their staff is being trained to collect samples from lesions for testing.
“We have the necessary logistics in place and are coordinating with hospitals in case any suspected cases are referred to us,” she said.
Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinonggan said that the province is actively monitoring the situation, especially in light of an advisory they received regarding a suspected Glanders case previously reported in the province of Siquijor.
Glanders is a rare but contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting animals such as horses, cows, carabaos, hogs, goats, and dogs. It is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei and can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms include fever, respiratory distress, and the formation of abscesses. The disease can be fatal if left untreated./PN
