THE Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public on Monday, July 21, 2025, to maintain good hygiene and practice safety even while inside evacuation centers.
In a televised public briefing, DOH spokesman Albert Domingo advised those in evacuation centers to maintain good hygiene practices in order to avoid diseases.
"Mahalaga maghugas lagi ng kamay dahil ang ating pagkain at tubig ay ayaw nating makontamina at maging sanhi ng sakit sa tiyan or pagdudumi," said Domingo.
(It’s important to always wash your hands because we don’t want our food and water to get contaminated and cause stomach illnesses or diarrhea.)
He also encouraged the evacuees to maintain social distancing to prevent the transmission of virus.
"Kung tayo po ay nasa paligid ng maraming tao, huwag na po tayong dumikit at umiwas tayo kung kaya para huwag ho tayong magkahawahan ng virus," said Domingo.
(If we are in a crowded place, let’s avoid getting too close to others and keep our distance whenever possible to prevent the spread of viruses.)
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), around 20,115 individuals or 5,921 families have been forced to stay in evacuation centers due to heavy rains and massive flooding in different parts of the country caused by the southwest monsoon.
As for those in the streets, the health official said the public should avoid wading through or swimming in floodwater as they may be afflicted with leptospirosis.
"Mayroon tayong risk ng leptospirosis. Kahit wala tayong sugat, puwedeng dumaan sa ating mata, puwede sa ating bibig, puwede sa ating ilong pumasok iyong leptospira virus na nanggagaling mula sa ihi ng daga," he said.
(We are at risk of leptospirosis. Even without open wounds, the leptospira bacteria from rat urine can enter our body through the eyes, mouth, or nose.)
"Para na tayong lumangoy sa inidoro kapag tayo po ay lumangoy sa baha. Huwag po nating gawin iyon," Domingo added.
(Swimming in floodwaters is like swimming in a toilet. Let’s not do it.)
As for those who waded through floodwaters, he advised them to immediately consult medical professionals.
"Huwag na nating hintaying magkaroon ng sintomas. Basta lumusong sa baha, kumonsulta na po dahil mayroon naman tayong sapat na gamot sa ating mga health centers," said Domingo.
(Let’s not wait for symptoms to appear. If you’ve waded through floodwaters, consult a doctor right away — our health centers have enough medicine available.) (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)