Melioidosis cases reported in Siquijor; DOH, DA respond

The Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Agriculture are addressing the cases of melioidosis reported in Siquijor.

The cases were at first thought to be glanders disease, but the DOH confirmed these to be melioidosis, according to a report on Unang Balita on Monday.

The fatal disease affects both humans and animals and is caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, or B. pseudomallei.

Melioidosis is common in tropical areas like the Philippines.

READ: EXPLAINER: What is melioidosis?

It is contracted by breathing in unclean air, drinking contaminated water, or being exposed to earth.

There is no vaccine yet against melioidosis.

Livestock raisers were advised to strictly implement sanitary protocols in their farms, and follow rules and ordinances in transporting animals. —KG, GMA Integrated News