Weather to improve before weekend — PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines — Residents of Metro Manila can expect gradual improvement of the weather later today, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

PAGASA senior weather forecaster Gener Quitlong said Metro Manila would still experience light to moderate rains from the southwest monsoon until this afternoon, but the rains would not be as heavy as in the past days.

Quitlong said by Thursday, better weather is expected over the capital until the weekend with chances of isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Moderate to occasionally heavy rains will persist over the western section of Northern and Central Luzon, including Bataan, Zambales and Ilocos provinces until Thursday. Weather conditions in these areas will improve by Friday.

The Visayas and Mindanao will continue to experience fair weather with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Quitlong said no tropical cyclone is expected to enter the country in the coming days. However, PAGASA is keeping an eye on a possible low-pressure area off Taiwan that could boost the moisture-laden southwest monsoon.

Tropical storm Domeng (international name Maliksi), which exited the Philippine area of responsibility last Sunday, enhanced the southwest monsoon, triggering heavy rains in many parts of Luzon and some parts of the Visayas in the past several days.

Rainy day diseases

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) has cautioned that “rainy day diseases” are expected to increase this wet season.

DOH Undersecretary Herminigildo Valle said prevention of “usual water and food-borne diseases” during rainy days is not complicated but it is important for the public to have the will to do it.

For instance, Valle said, leptospirosis could be prevented by not wading in floodwaters. If this cannot be avoided, then wear boots.

“You can also wash right after wading in flood water… There are also medicine that were prepositioned in the health centers or rural health units. Go there and get treated,” he added.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by animals, particularly rats. It can be transmitted to humans who ingested contaminated water or food or when floodwaters enter the body through broken skin, open wounds or through mucous membrane like the eyes, nose, sinuses and mouth. 

Severe cases of leptospirosis can lead to liver and kidney failure and brain damage.

“That’s why rodent control is important. We should dispose of our waste materials properly so these will not become breeding sites for rats,” Valle said.

Valle also reminded the public to be vigilant against dengue, a disease spread by the bite of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water that is abundant during rainy days. Mosquitoes lay eggs in water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels, old rubber tires and even under refrigerators and air-conditioning units where water can build up.

“Get rid of anything that can collect water. Inside the house, we should also make sure that water containers are covered,” Valle said.

Valle also called on the public to prepare food properly to prevent contamination and prevent cholera and other diarrheal illnesses. – With Sheila Crisostomo