THE Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon is cautioning the public against the possible spread of water and food-borne illnesses, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis and dengue (Wild) following the official declaration of the rainy season.
In its latest advisory, the DOH-Central Luzon said the agency, in partnership with local government units in Central Luzon, remains vigilant in preventing and controlling the possibility of disease outbreaks.
Local health officials were also tasked to continue providing directives to help in raising awareness about the said communicable diseases.
The health agency said diarrhea, typhoid fever and cholera are the most common water and food-borne diseases.
"They can be easily prevented if we avoid eating street foods and uncooked meat and seafood, and consume food within the prescribed period or before expiration date, as well as by cooking food thoroughly," DOH-Central Luzon Director Corazon Flores said.
She said floodwaters caused by continuous rains may also become stagnant and be contaminated with leptospira bacteria, which causes leptospirosis, or become a breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
"Leptospirosis can be avoided by wearing protective gears such as raincoats and boots when wading in floodwaters or if possible, not wade in the water at all," Flores said.
She added that the practice of the 4S strategy or the Search and Destroy, Self-Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation, and Support Fogging or Spraying is the best way to prevent dengue outbreak.
From January to May 2021 alone, DOH-Central Luzon already recorded a total of 2,268 cases of influenza-like illnesses, 8,980 cases of dengue and 53 cases of leptospirosis.
"These Wild diseases can only be prevented if we work hand-in-hand with health workers and LGUs in maintaining cleanliness and in our home and community and having a strong immune system," said Flores.
"As we are still in the midst of a pandemic, everyone must take all necessary measures to avoid being infected by these communicable diseases as they may create severe complications and adversely affect our health if we come in contact with Covid-19 virus," she further said.