DOH warns public of top 3 rainy season illnesses

TUBAO, La Union, Philippines — Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa advised the public here on Friday to prepare for and prevent the spread of dengue, cholera and leptospirosis because these are the three top illnesses during the rainy season. 

Herbosa, who was here for the opening of the Bagong Urgent Care Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Center, said dengue cases will increase during the rainy season because dengue-carrying mosquitos 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 mosquitos to prevent dengue,” he said. 

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

He said cholera is 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 said. 

The 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 the rodent population if not properly dumped. Leptospirosis is deadly and it’s usually carried due to floods,” Herbosa said. 

On the opening of BUCAS, the Health official said the facility will cater to patients from southern La Union, Cordillera and northern Pangasinan and it will decongest the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) and other neighboring hospitals.