Cholera downs 25 in Camotes, Cebu — report

Health authorities have started an investigation into a rash of cholera cases that had downed at least 25 residents in Camotes Island in Cebu province. A report on dzXL radio Friday said the residents of Calmante village in Tudela town fell ill after drinking contaminated water. Of the 25 victims, 10 were youths who were rushed to a hospital for treatment, the report said. But health officials said it is too early to say the incident is an outbreak, adding the victims also suffered from diarrhea and amoebiasis. For their part, local officials in Tudela town cited information indicating the residents had drunk water from a local source that sanitation officers earlier declared unsafe.— LBG, GMANews.TV