(file photo)
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) as always, reminds the public, especially parents, to monitor their children and bar them from wading through flood water because of water-borne diseases associated with the typhoon season.
Aside from leptospirosis, some diseases that can be fatal during rainy season include dengue, influenza, typhoid fever and cholera.
“Pakiusap namin sa mga magulang na kasi po kapag talagang nagtampisaw ang bata sa tubig na marumi lahat ng sakit nandoon na, mayroong bacteria, mayroong fungus, may virus katulad ng leptospirosis,” said DOH Spokesperson Eric Domingo.
Domingo said flood water contains high level of pollutants especially contaminated water coming from sewage, toilets and canals.
“Hindi natin alam saan nanggaling iyong tubig na iyan kasama na po iyong dumi galing sa imburnal, kasama na po ang dumi sa kalye at kapag nainom pa siyempre ng bata ito habang nagswi- swimming siya at naglalaro, doon papasok pa sa katawan niya. Napakarami pong sakit na makukuha sa maruning tubig at hindi dapat gawing laruan ng mga bata,” Domingo added.
The health official said children who swim in flood water may possibly drink contaminated water which may result in diarrhea or cholera.
What is important, Domingo said, is for households to store clean water supply for drinking and domestic use to prevent diseases.
“Water supply natin maaring ma- contaminate iyong pinagkukuhanan ng tubig lalo na iyong mga gagamitin na inumin or gagamiting sa pantimpla ng halimbawa ipapainom sa mga bata. Common din ang mga sakit na gastroenteritis, hepatitis at may mga mas grabe pa katulad ng typhoid at cholera,” he said.
The DOH said a bowel movement of more than four times a day may not be a normal diarrhea, therefore the person should seek medical attention immediately to avoid dehydration.
Households should also maintain enough supply of first aid medicines for common colds and fever, according to Domingo. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.)
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