Cholera outbreak among the Sama Badjao Indigenous community, Lucena City, Philippines, 2022
10.5365/wpsar.2026.17.2.1223
- Author:
Iris Ann D Bigyan
1
;
Catherine P Patricio
2
;
Johnette A Peñas
3
;
Nelson C Soriano
4
;
John Bobbie M Roca
5
;
Ray Justin Ventura
6
;
Mariz Zheila Blanco-Payuyo
7
;
Apple Charm Agulto
7
Author Information
1. Quezon Provincial Health Office, Quezon, Philippines
2. Lucena City Health Office, Quezon, Philippines
3. Local Government Unit, San Jose de Buan, Samar, Philippines
4. Cavite Provincial Health Office, Cavite, Philippines
5. Center for Health Development, Regional Office IV-A, Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
6. Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
7. Field Epidemiology Training Program Alumni Foundation, Inc., Manila, Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
cholera;
sama badjao;
indigenous community;
diarrhea;
sanitation and hygiene
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2026;17(2):44-49
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective: On 18 October 2022, diarrhoeal cases among the Sama Badjao indigenous community in the Philippines were reported from a tertiary hospital in Lucena City, Quezon Province. An investigation was conducted to confirm the outbreak, profile cases, identify the source of infection, and recommend prevention and control measures.
Methods: Suspected cases were identified through medical records review, active case finding and key informant interviews. Identified cases were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect demographic, clinical and exposure information. Rectal swabs and environmental water samples were collected for bacterial isolation and confirmation.
Results: A total of 75 cases were identified, with 40 (53.3%) hospitalized and four fatalities (case fatality rate: 5.3%). Ages ranged from 2 months to 20 years (median: 4 years). Nine of the 15 rectal swabs were positive for Vibrio cholerae Ogawa biotype El Tor. The community practised open defecation, and only 24.7% of households had basic sanitation. Although V. cholerae was not found in water samples, faecal contamination was noted in a community well, and Aeromonas species were isolated, indicating the presence of multiple gastrointestinal pathogens.
Discussion: A cholera outbreak was confirmed among the Sama Badjao community in Lucena City. Environmental assessment indicated that poor sanitation, open defecation and unsafe water sources likely contributed to the outbreak. The high case fatality rate (5.3%) was influenced by delayed care and limited health-care access. These findings emphasize the need for interventions to improve water, sanitation and hygiene practices and provide culturally appropriate public health programmes to reduce cholera risk among vulnerable communities.
- Full text:202607231319016260wpsar-17-1223 Bigyan FINAL.pdf
