THE Department of Health yesterday advised the public to prepare against the onset of diseases associated with the coming rainy season this month.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said the public should prepare against common diseases during the rainy season including diarrhea, water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis, and vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.
“It is best to arm ourselves with weapons against these diseases even before the onset of the rainy season by building a strong resistance against these illnesses and practicing personal hygiene and environmental sanitation,” he advised.
Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of loose or liquid bowel movements usually caused by a variety of bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms.
Typhoid fever is an infectious disease commonly spread through contaminated food and water or through close contact with someone who is infected.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by food or water contaminated with the bacteria known as Vibrio cholera. The bacteria cause watery diarrhea that can lead to severe dehydration and death.
Diarrhea, typhoid fever, and cholera can be prevented by drinking water only from safe sources.