MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public to keep being protected from ‘WILD’ diseases associated with the rainy weather.
‘WILD’ stands for water-borne diseases, influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue.
Examples of water-borne diseases are cholera and typhoid fever which can be contracted from contaminated water or spoiled food.
Cholera is an infectious disease that causes watery diarrhea, dehydration or death when untreated.
Typhoid fever, on the other hand, is a serious disease with symptoms include lasting high fevers, weakness, headache and stomach pains even loss of appetite.
Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a viral infection that usually attacks the respiratory system. The most common symptoms include fever, cough and colds, sneezing and muscle pains. It is common due to a sudden drop in temperature or high humidity level.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection present in wild and domesticated rodents and can infect both animals and humans. People with open wounds contract the disease by wading through bodies of water or floodwater usually contaminated by the rodents’ urine.
The DOH said those who regularly wade in floodwater need to be protected from leptospirosis by taking antibiotic medications on doctor’s prescription.
Meanwhile, the DOH records show that from January 1 to May 11 this year, the number of dengue cases rose to more than 74,000.
The DOH expects this number to rise this year during the onset of the rainy season.
“Iyong mga hospitals natin ready na iyan kapag ganitong tag-ulan,” Domingo said.
(Our hospitals are all set for the rainy season.)
“We have dengue lanes. Ina-activate na natin iyan at siyempre iyong mga gamot natin na naka- stock hindi lang para sa dengue, para sa leptospirosis din. Pagdating ng unang baha natin ito usually iyong most dangerous,” he added.
(We have activated that and of course, we have medicines on stock not only for dengue but for leptospirosis as well. The first flood is usually the most dangerous.)
The Health Department reminds the public to clear the surroundings with stagnant water containers which can be breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
“Prevention pa rin ang key sa dengue,” the undersecretary said.
(Prevention is still the key with dengue.)
“We have to protect the children. Kapag magpapasukan na, sana po pasuotin ng damit na protektado sila – pantalon, mga longsleeves. Lagyan ng insect repellant to make sure na hindi makagat ang mga bata during the day,” he said.
(When classes begin, let your children wear protective clothes – long pants and long sleeves. Apply insect repellant to make sure they are protected from (mosquito) bites during the day.)
The DOH also reminds the public not to take antibiotics in cases of fever, cough and colds to prevent the body from developing antimicrobial resistance or the body’s rejection of the effects of medication.
“Bawal iyon. Ang pag- inom po ng maling antiibiotic at pag- take ninyo ng hindi tamang schedule ay maaring maging sanhi para magkaroon tayo ng antimicrobial resistance,” Domingo warned.
(That’s not allowed. Taking the wrong antibiotic or medications out of schedule can develop antimicrobial resistance.)
“Ito is one of the challenges na nakikita natin hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo in the next few years,” he added.
(This is one of the challenges that we foresee not only in the Philippines but across the globe in the next few years.)
According to the DOH, it is still best to consult a doctor when experiencing the symptoms of the mentioned diseases in order to get and apply proper health remedy.
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