DOH Raises Alert On Summer Illnesses

The Department of Health has raised a nationwide alert on the emergence of “6S” or six illnesses of summer as the temperature continues to rise.

In Iloilo City and the rest of Panay Island provinces, the temperature rose to 36 degrees and above, intensifying the El Niño phenomenon had caused havoc to crops, livestock and the population.

DOH Regional Director Marlyn Convocar said the 6S are diarrhea and vomiting, sore eyes or conjunctivitis, sunburn, skin diseases, cough and colds, and rabies, which are the six common ailments the Ilonggos must watch out for in the next two-to-three months.

Convocar also said that many people heading to the beach or swimming pool may accidentally drink water that is infected with the E. Coli bacteria that may cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Poorly chlorinated swimming pools may also cause sore eyes or conjunctivitis when the virus enters through the eyes.

Sunburn is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun without proper protection against the harmful ultraviolet rays and painful, itchy, irritated patch of skin that often peels off. When combined with dehydration, overexposure may lead to heat stroke.

Cough and colds may cause discomfort anytime of the year and tend to linger in the summer. DOH also warned against dog bites as dogs become irritable due to the heat.

Vaccines against dog bites and rabies are now available at the health center and in Iloilo City. The dog bite center is at the Western Visayas Medical Center and at the health center in Rosario Duran. (PNA) LAP/PGL/LCPENDON/CBF