Weather-related health advisories

CEBU, Philippines - During typhoon season, it is advised by the Department of Health that we make sure drinking water is from a safe source.

DOH in its "Weather-related health advisories" said that when in doubt, do not drink. Boil it for three minutes or chlorinate drinking water to make it safe.

As for food, it should be well-cooked. Leftovers should be covered and kept away from household pests, and that food waste should be disposed of properly.

Water sanitation

Ways of protecting water from contamination during handling, transport and storage:

• always use clean water containers provided with cover

• wash containers after every use

• clean and disinfect storage tanks at least every quarter

• avoid hand contact with water during transport

Methods of water treatment:

• Boiling – water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least two (2) minutes

• Disinfection – by using chlorine:

1.Prepare a stock solution by dissolving one level of powder. Chlorine compounds (65 percent to 75 percent available chlorine) to one liter of water.

2.Add two teaspoons of stock solution to five gallons (20 liters) of water. Mix thoroughly and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before using.

Other concerns

• Keep clothing dry and warm.

• Consult a doctor at once if you, or any member of your household, have any sign or symptom to prevent the spread of infection in the evacuation area.

• Common infections or diseases that may spread in an evacuation area include: coughs and colds, acute gastroenteritis, skin and eye infections, measles, dengue, leptospirosis, hepatitis A.

• Do not allow children to wade in floodwaters to avoid diseases such as leptospirosis.

• Dispose of garbage properly. Do not dump them onto floodwaters.

• Maintain personal hygiene. Always wash your hands before and after eating and using the toilet.

• Put safety first. Avoid dangling electrical wires and unstable structures.

La Niña health effects

La Niña is a weather phenomenon characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in the Equatorial Pacific which causes increased numbers of tropical storms in the Pacific Ocean.

Health effects include:

• Disease related to contaminated water due to flooding, such as acute gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, cholera and hepatitis A.

• Disease related to wading in floodwaters contaminated with urine of infected animals such as rats.

• Disease brought by mosquitoes, such as dengue and malaria.

• Accidents and injuries such as contusions, lacerations, fractures and electrocution.

Aside from boiling drinking water properly as stated above, water chlorination, and hand washing habits, one is advised to wear rubber boots if it is inevitable to stay clear from floodwaters. Another is to clean up all possible mosquito breeding sites, such as vases, empty coconut shells, old tires and tin cans.

What to do in case of flood

DOH issues this piece of advice: stay inside a house or safe building during heavy rains, avoid wading and taking baths in floodwaters; when a flood advisory is issued, residents in low-lying areas should seek for higher grounds; and avoid crossing low-lying areas and bridges (most especially spillways) during evacuation.