DOH warns of several diseases during looming El Niño
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday warned the public of diseases that would likely become prevalent in the extreme heat caused by the El Niño.
According to the state weather, there is an 80 percent chance that El Niño will begin sometime in June and August of 2023 and that it would last until the first quarter of 2024.
In a statement, DOH listed several diseases which may be caused by “scarcity of clean water and frequent rains.”
The DOH listed the following possible diseases:
- diarrhea
- sunburns
- fatigue, heat cramps, stroke
- food poisoning
- asthma
- nausea and other diseases due to eating food affected by red tide
- cholera
- typhoid fever and other vector-borne diseases such as dengue
The DOH also gave the public several reminders to prevent heat stroke and exhaustion, such as hydrating by actively drinking water, refraining from going out from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and wearing light clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen, as well as the use of umbrellas when outdoors.
Meanwhile, to prevent Dengue, the DOH reminded schools and the general public to employ the “5S Strategy” — which stands for Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; uphold Self-protection like using insect repellents; Seek early consultation at the nearest health care facility; Support fogging, spraying, and misting in hot spot areas; and Sustain hydration.
“The implementation of the 5S strategy calls for everyone to become prime movers in controlling mosquito population and avoiding any possible dengue deaths within the community,” said DOH.
“Further, the DOH reminds everyone that our health and consultation services are available through our primary care and KonsulTayo service,” it added.
