MANILA, July 3 — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday called on the public to be on guard against “WILD” diseases this rainy season.
The “WILD” diseases include water-borne diseases, Influenza, Leptospiros and Dengue.
DOH Spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag said water-borne diseases is in the form of diarrhea which can affect people through contaminated water sources.
“There is a possibility that drinking water sources maybe contaminated by rainwater especially in those area where there is poor sanitation,” Dr. Tayag explained.
As an advice, DOH recommends use of hyposol or chlorine tablets to purify water for drinking.
Tayag added that influenza is also one of the diseases that should be watched out during the season of rain wherein an onset of cough, cold fever and flu are usually being experienced by the population.
As a protection, the DOH provides flu and pneumonia vaccines to senior citizens.
In terms of Leptospirosis, he said that it is important to protect oneself from dirty floodwater contaminated by urine of rats that may enter into open wounds.
As a protection, the DOH recommends the use of boots if one needs to walk in dirty flood water.
And lastly, on Dengue, which also includes other dengue diseases like zika and chikungunya, he said that it is important that people know how to prevent them.
Among the ways to prevent dengue and other mosquito borne diseases can be through search and destroy of breeding sites; apply self-protection measures (wear long sleeves, pajamas, use mosquito nets and mosquito repellant lotions, etc); and many others.
With these expected WILD Diseases that may be expected to surface during the rainy season, the DOH also called on the public to seek early consultation in case they suspect that they are experiencing the symptoms of the disease.
The DOH official further said the Health Department is ready to provide treatment in its health centers and government facilities.
“So, pag sinabi natin handa ang DOH, dapat ay handa ang bawat isa sa atin sapagkat kung alam naman natin kung ano ang dapat gawin at maiiwasan natin magkasakit ngayong tag-ulan, tayo ay hindi magiging problema sa mga doctor at kayo ay hindi aabsent at tuloy tuloy sa pagpasok lalo na yung may mga trabaho,” the Health Official added.(Leilani S. Junio/PNA)
