With the spate of strong typhoons that hit the country on an almost weekly basis, the Department of Health (DOH) cautioned the public against the possible outbreak of waterborne and foodborne illnesses, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis and dengue, or the so-called “W.I.L.D.” diseases.
Also, the DOH reiterated its call on the precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19 among the displaced population.
Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses caused widespread flooding and destruction that prompted evacuation in several parts of Luzon. Knowing this, the DOH already alerted its Centers for Health Development to coordinate with concerned LGUs and their communities and monitor the possible spread of W.I.L.D. diseases.
“We are very wary of possible outbreak of communicable, waterborne and vector-borne diseases after disasters, especially with this pandemic that can bring about a complex situation. That’s why even before the rainy season, we already released guidelines for DOH regional offices to prepare contingency measures against what we call the W.I.L.D. diseases,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.
He likewise assured that the DOH, with the support of LGUs, are doing the best they can to prevent or control possible outbreaks.
According to DOH’s epidemiological analysis, influenza season in the country peaks in July and October with the onset of the rainy season, from increased heat and high humidity in the summer to the wet and damp weather conditions. Meanwhile, the stagnant water due to flooding is a good breeding ground for mosquitoes, and may also contain leptospira bacteria, which causes leptospirosis.
DOH likewise noted that the interruption of safe water supply and sanitation due to flooding may cause water and food contamination that may bring about other diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, amoebiasis, hepatitis A and acute gastroenteritis.
Sec. Duque reiterated that it is still best to do non-pharmaceutical interventions like regular washing of hands and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, and observing proper cough etiquette. This also includes vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases, wearing of face masks, ensuring clean drinking water supply, and maintaining cleanliness of surroundings to prevent flu and other infections.
The health department secretary further highlighted the importance of having heightened vigilance in evacuation centers, noting that as much as possible, they would like to avoid disease infections inside evacuation centers. This is the reason why DOH is doing symptom screening and clinical and exposure assessment of evacuees.
“We are heightening the promotion and access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, vector control, and attending to the sick. As much as possible, we separate the elderly, those with comorbidities, pregnant women plus infants and toddlers so they won’t get infected. The designated safety officers or Health Emergency Response Teams (HERT) in evacuation centers, together with local government units, are key people in these measures.”