DOH exec warns public against summer diseases

By Lito Dar

BAGUIO CITY- Even as this city was on a festive and vacation mood, the Department of Health reminded the public of health risks and diseases affiliated with summer.

This reminder was issued as a mix of sunny and cool weather was experienced by tourists flocking the city to escape the heat in the lowlands.

Amidst this scenario, City Health Services Office Medical Officer Dr. Donna Bel Tubera, said with the hot summer weather, diseases that usually appear include food and water borne diseases – like food poisoning and typhoid.

She advised the public to always ensure hygienic handling or preparations of food and to eat the food while it is still hot or just been cooked as bacteria easily multiply with hot weather.

Tubera said measles was another disease prevalent during summer, though it is now being addressed by the nationwide “Iligtas sa Tigdas ang Pinas’ Measles-Rubella door-to-door vaccination. Other summer diseases Tubera mentioned were sore eyes, chicken pox, skin diseases (rashes, heat rash) and boils.

Heat stroke was another, though there was no recorded case yet in the city.

“Each individual should increase their water intake or drink at least eight to 13 glasses of water a day and stay in shade or avoid staying under the sun for too long, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or at least they should use sun block lotions,” she said.

She said it good to use use light clothing, at least with cotton material which can absorb the sweat, and to use umbrella, caps and maybe even sunglasses.

For those planning to go swimming or to the beach, they should plan for an early morning or late afternoon swim, Tubera advised.

Tubera said dengue cases have also increased even in the absence of rain.

The hot weather makes mosquito quicker to multiply, she explained as she advised the public to clean their homes, especially ensure that artificial or any other man made containers are clean and properly sealed.