Enjoy summer, but cautiously.
The Department of Health-Cordillera said the diseases that occur during the dry months are not only triggered by the rise in temperature and global warming, but also by the activities people do to deal with the heat.
This is why the DOH is advising the public to still observe the minimum public health standards (MPHS) to lessen risk of getting sick with summer diseases and to be spared from the Covid-19 that remains a health concern.
DOH-Cordillera Medical Officer IV Jennifer Pira said family trips to the beach or to resorts will expose people to the crowd and water where infections spread easily.
“During these months, expect conjunctivitis and flu-like infections because of gatherings where diseases can easily spread,” she said.
“Diving in the water can cause ear and eye infections, drinking water from unsure sources, and eating food that are exposed or spoiled causes diarrhea. This is why people should be cautious while enjoying summer,” Pira said.
She added observance of the MPHS that became the normal practice since the pandemic should remain even if the government eased the Covid-19-related restrictions.
Data from the DOH-Cordillera showed summer diseases and other infections have increased from January to April 15 this year.
The agency recorded 387 cases of acute bloody diarrhea in the region, or an increase of 121 percent from the 175 cases recorded in the same period last year.
There are four cholera cases this year. No cases were recorded in the same period last year.
The region also had 18 cases of measles-rubella, which is an increase of 125 percent from the eight cases recorded in the same period last year.
Cases of typhoid and paratyphoid fever reached 841 last year,or an increase of 58 percent from the 531 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Dengue, which used to be considered a rainy-day disease, reached 903 cases, which is a four percent increase than the 865 cases last year.
The DOH recorded 663 cases of hand, foot, and mouth diseases from January to April 15.
There are 1,460 influenza-like illnesses recorded all over the region, which is a 26 percent increase than the 1,150 cases recorded in the same period last year.
DOH Senior Health Program Officer Jethro Simeon III said the cases listed in the region are a combination of suspect and confirmed cases.
He added the public should still be wary of the Covid-19, which remains a health concern.
“The minimum public health standards should still be observed. Do not be lax. Wear masks in crowded places and avail of vaccination. Also, let us follow the recommendation of health experts for our safety,” he said. – Jane B. Cadalig
