The Department of Health’s (DOH) National Epidemiology Center is now bracing for the possible outbreak of wet-season diseases during what is supposed to be the country’s summer season.
NEC director Dr. Eric Tayag said dengue fever, diarrhea, leptospirosis, and pulmonary diseases are on their watch list.
Tayag gave general tips on how to avoid wet season diseases like – boiling water before drinking, or using DOH-prescribed disinfectants; to take vitamins C and D; and to make sure there are no places with stagnant water where dengue mosquitoes can breed.
Tayag said that they will begin their anti-dengue campaign earlier than usual this year.
The DOH also advised against wading in floodwaters, which can cause injuries and may carry rat urine that could cause leptospirosis.
Aside from wet-season diseases, the government is also watching for measles.
“To prevent further cases of measles within the first part of the year, the DOH will embark on a nationwide mass vaccination of children up to less than 8 years of age,” Tayag said. (PIA)
