[ad_1]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 20) – The Department of Health (DOH) is warning the public of a possible outbreak of food and waterborne illnesses, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis and dengue fever as a result of the recent typhoons that hit the country.
According to the DOH epidemiological analysis, the influenza season in the country peaks in July and October, which coincides with the start of the rainy season.
The Health Department also emphasized that stagnant water due to flooding can be a good breeding ground for mosquitoes. Flood waters can also contain the bacteria leptospira that causes leptospirosis.
DOH said that disruption of water supply and sanitation services due to flooding can cause contamination of water and food, which can lead to other diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, amoebiasis, hepatitis A and acute gastroenteritis.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III assured the public that DOH is coordinating closely with interested local government units to prevent the possible outbreak of these diseases in areas affected by the typhoon.
“As far as possible, we are preventing the spread of diseases within evacuation centers, that is why we are conducting symptom screening and clinical evaluation and exposure of evacuees. We are also strengthening the promotion and access to water, sanitation and hygiene, vector control, and caring for the sick, ”said Duque.
Duque also suggested that the elderly, those with comorbidities or underlying health conditions, pregnant women, infants and young children in evacuation centers should be separated to further prevent disease outbreaks.
The Secretary of Health reiterated his call for evacuees to follow minimum public health standards in evacuation centers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In these cases, it is better to perform non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as constant hand washing, disinfecting high-contact surfaces, and observing proper cough etiquette. Vaccination for vaccine-preventable diseases, use of masks, ensure a clean source of drinking water and observe a clean environment to prevent flu and other infections, ”added Duque.
Typhoon Quinta, Super Typhoon Rolly, and Typhoon Ulysses caused massive agricultural and structural destruction in Luzon that displaced thousands of families.
[ad_2]
