The Department of Health (DOH) has urged the public to remain vigilant against the threat of 'Wild' diseases as the rainy season begins. In a television interview, DOH Spokesman Albert Domingo emphasized the importance of being cautious about water-borne diseases, influenza-like illness (ILI), leptospirosis, and dengue.
Water-Borne Diseases
Domingo explained that water-borne diseases include diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, and acute gastroenteritis. 'Because the rainfall is increasing, we are having water that can contaminate our drinking water supply,' he said. To prevent these diseases, the DOH recommends boiling drinking water for at least two to three minutes and practicing frequent handwashing.
Influenza-Like Illnesses
ILI, such as common colds, cough, and flu, are easily transmissible. 'School starts on Monday, so the children will be converging,' Domingo noted. The DOH advises wearing masks in crowded areas, covering one's mouth when sneezing or coughing, and staying at home if feeling unwell to avoid ILI.
Leptospirosis
The higher possibility of flooding increases the risk of leptospirosis, as flood water may carry bacteria. 'There is a lot of floodwater when it is the rainy season, thus leptospirosis cases rise,' Domingo said. He urged the public to avoid wading in floodwater or wear protective gear if wading is unavoidable.
Dengue
The rainy season also increases the number of potential mosquito-breeding sites, raising the threat of dengue. 'The aedes aegypti mosquitoes are most active during two times of the day: in the afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m., and in the morning from 6 to 8 a.m.,' Domingo said. The DOH recommends searching for and destroying mosquito-breeding sites and using self-protection measures like mosquito repellent.
Last Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced the onset of the rainy season.
