By NewsDesk @bactiman63
In the aftermath of recent typhoons that have hammered the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) is on heightened surveillance and warned the public against possible outbreak of waterborne and foodborne illnesses, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis and dengue (W.I.L.D.) diseases.
Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses caused widespread flooding and destruction that prompted evacuation in several parts of Luzon. Recognizing the health hazards present in the affected areas, the DOH has alerted its Centers for Health Development to continuously monitor the possible spread of W.I.L.D. diseases, together with concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) and their respective communities.
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“We are very wary of possible outbreak of communicable, waterborne and vector-borne diseases after disasters”, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.
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According to DOH’s epidemiological analysis, influenza season in the country peaks in July and October, coinciding with the onset of the rainy season as the weather transitions from increased heat and high humidity in the summer to the wet and damp weather conditions. Meanwhile, the stagnant water due to flooding is a good habitat condition for mosquitoes. These floodwaters may also contain leptospira bacteria which causes leptospirosis. DOH likewise notes that the interruption of safe water supply and sanitation due to flooding may cause water and food contamination which bring other diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, amoebiasis, hepatitis A and acute gastroenteritis.
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