By Myris Lee
Infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante warned the public on Thursday, May 19, against the possible rise of dengue and leptospirosis cases this rainy season.
Solante also urged the public to be mindful of the water-borne illnesses such as influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue.
“Alam natin during rainy season kung saan namumugad ‘yung mga lamok na ‘yan tataas ang rate ng dengue. And we know when we have dengue, it can also have the same symptoms as COVID-19 ‘yung fever and then pananakit ng katawan,” Solante noted.
“Pangalawa, ‘yung influenza, ‘yung flu nandito na rin, kaya i-emphasize natin sa mga vulnerable population. Tapos mayroon tayong isang sakit na napaka-common kapag bumabaha, ‘yung leptospirosis na talagang isa iyan sa minsan na nakalilimutan na,” he added.
Solante called on the public to get a flu vaccine to minimize their risk of getting the virus.
“Mas maganda rin ay magpakonsulta or get the influenza vaccine or the flu vaccine,” he added.
Solante assured the public that the government will continue raising awareness on communicable diseases that are prevalent during the wet season. – gb