DOH, DA activate task force for glanders outbreak in Siquijor

Health and agriculture authorities in Negros Occidental are working to contain the spread of glanders, a rare bacterial disease, after six human cases were confirmed in Siquijor on Sunday, May 25.

Two of the infected individuals have died at a hospital in Dumaguete City due to complications from the illness.

A One Health Task Force has been activated by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to prevent further spread to nearby provinces.

Animal tracing and testing have begun in Siquijor, with samples sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for confirmation. Culling may be necessary if results return positive.

Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral warned that glanders can be life-threatening if not treated early and urged residents to avoid contact with sick or dead animals and observe proper hygiene.

Although the disease is rare in humans, public health advisories have been issued to raise awareness about its risks and preventive measures.

The DOH confirmed infections in three of Siquijor's six municipalities: Larena, Siquijor, and San Juan. It marked the first known occurrence of glanders in the island province.