DOH-Davao monitors diseases brought by El Niño

 

(SunStar File Photo)

ROJEAN GRACE PATUMBON

THE Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH-Davao) warns people of possible diseases during El Niño season.

After the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced that the El Niño phenomenon will hit the country around the months of July to September, DOH-Davao notified the public of the emergence of diseases due to the sudden change in the weather.

Some of the diseases that DOH-Davao is expecting are diarrhea, skin infections due to lack of supply of water; food poisoning, difficulty in breathing, vomiting because of the consumption of fish affected by the red tide; diseases that are usually caused by the high temperature such as exhaustion, heat cramp or even heat stroke.

Aside from these types of illnesses, cholera, typhoid fever, and even vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are also expected during this season.

To combat these emerging diseases, DOH-Davao released some tips and guidelines that Filipinos should do to remain healthy especially, with the intense heat that we will be experiencing.

One is to ensure that the source of the water supply is clean. Two, conserve and use water properly. Three, do not forget to drink enough water and stay well-hydrated. Four, do not stay under the sun for too long, use sunblock or sunscreen if it is unavoidable to leave the house. Five, wear clothes that have thin or comfortable fabrics. Six, avoid outdoor activities during peak hours of the sun.

DOH-Davao is keeping a close eye on all emerging diseases, primarily water-borne diseases, and has issued an advisory to healthcare facilities, hospitals, and local government units in case there will be a shortage of water supply.

“We are continuously monitoring on a weekly basis and even on an event once na ma-detect na may ano, hala ba’t biglang dumami ito so nire-report kaagad yan ng mga health facilities sa Department of Health through the province and through the City Health Office (We are continuously monitoring every week and even on an event once we detect that there is a sudden increase in the number of reported diseases by the health facilities and the City Health Office), ” DOH-Davao Assistant Regional Director Gerna M. Manatad said.

El Niño is a weather phenomenon that is characterized by the unusually warmer than average sea surface temperature which is characterized by the limited amount of rain, which can cause negative effects such as drought and increased illness related to heat. (RGP)