BY ONIN MIGUEL DEVELOPS/ADDU INTERN
WITH HEAVY rains due to the ongoing easterlies or heavy winds from the Pacific Ocean, the Department of Health XI intends to enhance efforts to prevent flood-related diseases and ensure public safety.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas Media Forum last June 2, DOH XI regional director Annabelle Yumang highlighted the importance of dengue prevention to avoid the spread of the mosquito-borne disease during the rainy season.
“With the local government units, we have trainings with them so the preventions against cases of dengue, we always tell them na kailangan i-practice ang 4S for dengue.” Regional Director Annabelle Yumang said.
During the training sessions, the LGU in collaboration with DOH is trained to help the health workers to practice 4s for dengue. The 4S stands for search and destroy, self-protection, seek early consultation, and say no to indiscriminate fogging.
Yumang also said health workers will also be assigned to evacuation disasters to look after and take care of the victims. Mental health programs will also be included in the interventions, particularly for children.
DOH XI Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama Jr. addressed the increase in leptospirosis and urged everyone to avoid wading through floods when they have open wounds.
“Napapansin niyo na tumataas at lumalala ang kaso ng leptospirosis not only in Manila but in Davao as well. So inaasahan po namin pag mag baha o malakas na ulan, umiwas po tayong lumusaw sa mga water pods para hindi tayo makakuha ng leptospirosis,” he said.
Dumama also reminded everyone to take care of their hygiene, drink plenty of water, and avoid people with sickness during the rainy season. He called on those who are sick to visit the nearest local medical facility for a checkup.
“Kung may nararamdaman kayo ng symptomas ng respiratory tract o kung anuman ang sakit, kung pwede ay komunsulta sa pinakamalapit na health center,” Dumama stated.
File Photo: Bing Gonzales
