DOH warns vs diseases ahead of La Niña

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday cautioned the public against the spread of diseases that may become prevalent especially now that the country is shifting from dry to rainy season.

In a public briefing, DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo called such diseases as "WILD," which stands for Water and food-borne diseases; Influenza-like illnesses; Leptospirosis; and Dengue.

Water and food-borne diseases, Domingo said, include food poisoning, which could happen when a person drinks contaminated water, resulting in gastroenteritis.

"Kung hindi tayo sigurado sa ating iinumin na tubig, walang mawawala kung pakuluan ito ng dalawang minuto. Simula kapag bumubula na 'yung tubig sa kulo, mag-timing tayo ng two minutes tapos palamigin after then saka natin inumin," Domingo said.

(If we are not sure about the water that we are about to drink, we can boil it for two minutes. When the bubbles start to appear when the water is boiling, let's wait for two minutes, let it cool down, and then drink it.)

Cough, colds, and sore throat, meanwhile, are included in influenza-like illnesses. Domingo said these illnesses are apparent nowadays because the weather is changing.

He also noted that COVID-19 cases are being observed, but advised those who have symptoms to get tested because there is a possibility that these are only caused by the changing weather or allergies.

"Maaaring dahil 'yan sa pagbago ng panahon dahil 'yung ating mga nasal mucosal, 'yung loob ng ating ilong at ng ating lalamunan, naninibago sila sa tubig sa hangin. Whether bumabawas 'yung humidity or tumataas, nai-irritate 'yung lining ng ating lalamunan at ilong," he added.

(Maybe that's because of the changing weather because our nasal mucosal, or the insides of our nose and throat, are still getting used to the water in the air. Whether the humidity decreases or increases, the lining of our throat and nose gets irritated.)

The Health official also reminded people to avoid wading in flood waters in the coming rainy season. If unavoidable, Domingo said, take a bath immediately. Consult a doctor if the person has an open wound because he or she can get leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria leptospira from the urine of infected animals or a urine-polluted environment. Its symptoms include fever, chills, conjunctival suffusion, headache, and jaundice.

Domingo further advised the public to wear clothes that cover the skin and apply mosquito repellent lotion or sprays to protect themselves from dengue.

The DOH earlier reported that dengue cases nationwide dropped from the 5,380 cases logged from March 24 to April 6, to 3,634 from April 21 to May 4.

This is equivalent to a 30% decrease despite more frequent thunderstorms and rain showers being experienced in the country. — VDV, GMA Integrated News