DOH: 2 Siquijor deaths from melioidosis, not glanders

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa announced that two of the six deaths initially attributed to glanders in Siquijor were actually due to melioidosis.

Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral confirmed that both men had comorbidities and contracted both glanders and melioidosis, with at least four others also infected with glanders.

The DOH and Department of Agriculture are now addressing these cases, emphasizing that melioidosis is a potentially lethal bacterial disease common in tropical areas like the Philippines and can thrive in soil and water.

Herbosa advised individuals to wear boots when working in potentially contaminated environments, as the disease may increase after severe weather events.

Livestock raisers were also advised to strictly implement sanitary protocols and follow rules for transporting animals to prevent the spread of these rare bacterial diseases.