DOH bares top 3 illnesses during rainy season

CEBU, Philippines — Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has advised the public to prepare on the spread of dengue, cholera, and leptospirosis because these are the three top illnesses during the rainy season.

Herbosa said dengue cases will increase during rainy season because dengue-carrying mosquito will spread after they lay eggs in clean water.

"If you store rain water in containers, make sure you will cover it properly because mosquitos will lay eggs in clean water. We should prevent the spread of mosquito to prevent dengue," Herbosa said.

Herbosa said that water-borne diseases, such as cholera and leptospirosis, will also spread during rainy days because of contamination.

He said that cholera usually caused by contamination of water sources like deep wells.

"Toilets should be 25 meters away from water sources to prevent fecal contamination. We should strictly observe proper sanitation and hygiene," Herbosa added.

The health secretary said leptospirosis is commonly caused by urine of rodents and rats.

"Our solid waste and garbage are increasing and it will be a good shelter for rodents population if not properly dumped. Leptospirosis is deadly and it's usually carried due to floods," Herbosa said. — Philippine Star News Service/FPL (FREEMAN)