News
Watch Out for ‘WILD’ Diseases During Rainy Season
ILOILO CITY, June 21 (PIA6) – The Department of Health (DOH)-6 is reminding the public to be cautious against “WILD” diseases with the onset of the rainy season.
WILD is an acronym for waterborne-diseases, influenza, leptospirosis and dengue.
Dr. Elvie Villalobos, Medical Specialist and head of the Infectious Disease Cluster of DOH-6, said that cholera, diarrhea, gastroenteritis and typhoid fever are examples of water-borne diseases.
A person could be infected with water-borne diseases if the water used for drinking contains microorganisms that host the said diseases.
Bottled water is safe to drink as well as water from refilling stations and water districts which have undergone bacteriological test.
Influenza or flu is common during rainy season because viruses proliferate on this period of time.
Villalobos said the flu can be avoided through constant hand washing.
Those who are sick should cover their mouth when coughing or their nose when sneezing.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by urine or increment of rats.
He said that those with open wounds and lacerations must refrain from dipping their feet in flood water.
DOH-6 records showed that as of June this year, Western Visayas has a total of 2,698 dengue cases.
It reiterated its call to follow the “4S” strategy in eliminating dengue-carrying mosquitos.
4S requires searching and destroying mosquito breeding places; using self-protection measures; seeking early consultation for fever lasting more than 2 days; and saying “NO” to indiscriminate fogging. (LTP/CBA/PIA6)