Bukidnon’s Valencia City logs 73 suspected Hepatitis A cases

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Health officials are monitoring 73 suspected Hepatitis A cases, with residents concerned about the sharp rise in cases in Barangay Lurugan, a village surrounded by vast multinational pineapple plantations.During an emergency meeting of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) on Wednesday, City Health Officer Dr. Michael Escalante reported that confirmed infections in Barangay Lurugan have climbed from six to 14. Two cases were recorded in neighboring Barangay San Carlos.Of the 73 suspected Hepatitis A cases, authorities said most of those infected are students aged 10 to 19.

READ: Clustered Hepatitis A cases hit several Valencia City barangaysHepatitis A is typically transmitted through food or water contaminated by the virus, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and environmental hygiene.While the exact source remains undetermined, the City Health Office (CHO) is pursuing ongoing case investigations and active surveillance.As an immediate measure, local officials have temporarily suspended food vending activities by ambulant vendors in the affected area pending comprehensive sanitation inspections.To safeguard the community, the city government is also dispatching two water tanks to supply clean water for sanitation, specifically for school restrooms.Aron Apostol Rempohito, Valencia City Public Information and Assistance Division (PIAD) chief, urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to rely solely on official and verified updates from the Valencia City Government and the CHO./coa