DOH: Be ready for El Niño

CEBU, Philippines – As the El Niño phenomenon is started to be felt next week, the Department of Health-7 is cautioning the public on diseases during the dry spell.

Rennan Cimafranca, Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit chief, said that during this time, skin diseases and other illnesses like scabies, sore eyes, and heat stroke are mostly experienced. 

Cimafranca is advising the public to always bring water whenever they go out of the house to avoid being dehydrated and bring extra clothes to prevent them from lung disease.

The public should also avoid too much exposure to direct sunlight as it causes sunburn that would possibly infect blisters.

“Bisan asa dapat magdala  og payong ug extra water mao nay importante,” the RESU chief said.

He said any person can be at risk from heat, especially those who participate in strenuous physical activities under the hot weather.

The heat, plus a person’s own health condition, can affect the body’s ability to cool itself during the extremely hot weather, according to health authorities. When the humidity is high, sweat would not be able to evaporate as fast as it may need to release heat.

Also, among older people, underlying cardio-vascular and respiratory diseases can play a role on whether a person can cool off enough high ambient temperature.

Aside from drinking lots of water, the public is recommended to wear lightweight, short-sleeved, loose-fitting and cotton-made clothing.

People are also advised to avoid heavy meals, alcoholic drinks and too much coffee. The public is also advised to know the signs of symptoms of heat disorders and be ready to give first aid treatment appropriately.

Cimafranca added that everyone should also be cautious of dengue even if we are experiencing El Niño.

“Bisan ting-init dili gihapon nato igsapayan nga dunay mga kaso sa dengue kay naa may tubig bisan pa ingnon nato nga El Niño ni panahona unya duna say mga containers sa mga balay ilabi na nagpundo ug tubig,” Cimafranca said.

As of October 25, a total of 4,153 dengue cases have been recorded by RESU in which 20 have died. However, the office noted that this is 71 percent lower compared to the same period last year with 14,445 cases and 54 deaths.  (FREEMAN)