DOH warns public of heat, various illnesses as strong El Niño looms

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) -- The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public on the emergence of various illnesses during the peak of the strong El Niño phenomenon from February to April.

During the period, 63 provinces could experience drought, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) earlier said.

DOST's projection said temperatures could shoot up by next month.

With the drought and higher temperatures, the DOH reminded the public to protect themselves against heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

«We remind the people about the risks of dehydration, exposure to sun…Very important dehydration, exposure sa sun and all related illnesses sa dehydration,» DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.

«Iyong heat illness pwedeng tumindi iyon. Siyempre may sunburn [of course there's sunburn], heat exhaustion parang fatigue pagod na pagod ka pag matagal ka sa araw [you'll easily feel tired when exposed to sunlight],» he added.

He reminded the public to be aware and cautious of what they are feeling throughout the day, adding that heat exhaustion may lead to heat stroke.

READ:DOH: Gastroenteritis outbreak in Baguio now 'contained'

The DOH chief said water-borne illnesses like diarrhea are also possible during El Niño episode because food can easily spoil. He also warned of water contamination when distributors need to ration supply.

«Kung luma yung distribution pipes, pumapasok yung e-coli doon sa tubes. Kaya napansin niyo pag pinatay yung tubig, at in-open niyo ulit yung gripo, di ba kung minsan brown lupa, lumalabas,» Herbosa explained.

[Translation: If the distribution pipes are old, e-coli [Escherichia coli] might pass through the tubes. After closing your faucets, you may notice that when you open it again, there are brown or mud particles pouring out.]

READ: More samples from various water sources found contaminated Baguio LGU

«Kaya ingat din, during the time of El Niño, make sure ipa-clear mo muna yun at kung may kulang siya, wag mo siyang iinumin,» he added.

[Translation: So be cautious during El Niño, make sure about the water quality, and if it’s not clear, do not drink it.]

The agency will also monitor the