Guard against disease in wet season–DOH

The health department warned the public against exposing their feet to floodwaters to avoid leptospirosis, a disease caused by rat waste. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/Marianne Bermudez

MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday again advised the public to observe basic health and sanitation practices to avoid contracting diseases prevalent during the wet season.

Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, DOH spokesman, advised people to watch out for common diseases during rainy days such as dengue, leptospirosis and influenza.

According to Lee Suy, the public must not be complacent despite DOH data showing a smaller number of dengue cases this year compared to last year.

DOH data showed that there were 23,867 dengue cases reported from Jan. 1 to May 31, 50.98 percent lower that the cases reported during the same period last year, which saw 48,686 cases.

Dengue—a disease initially manifested by a fever—is caused by the Aedes aegypti, a day-biting mosquito which lays eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels and old rubber tires.

When left undetected and untreated, dengue could lead to a number of complications and even death.

Lee Suy also warned the public against exposing their feet to floodwaters to avoid leptospirosis, a disease caused by rat waste.

He also called for proper waste disposal and segregation to avoid these diseases.

The health official also encouraged the public to boost their immune system by staying healthy, doing regular exercises, getting enough sleep, eating the right food and living a healthy lifestyle.

“The way to go is to get yourself protected, take vitamins and have yourself vaccinated against flu to boost your immune system,” he said.

Lee Suy also advised people to cover their mouths when coughing to avoid contamination and to regularly wash their hands to prevent the spread of disease.–Tina G. Santos