Watch out for WILD during this rainy season

The Department of health (DOH) warned the public of a possible increase in water-borne infectious diseases, influenza, and leptospirosis, including dengue (W.I.L.D.), which usually peak at the start of the rainy season.

“During this rainy season, let’s prevent outbreaks by avoiding WILD diseases,” health Undersecretary Maria Rosario vergeire said.

vergeire also reminded the public to “avoid wading in flood waters, make sure to practice the 4-S dengue strategy, wash hands properly, ensure clean drinking water, always prepare a go-bag, and, if possible, get vaccinated against the flu virus.”

The 4-S stands for “Search and destroy” mosquito-breeding sites; employ “Self-protection measures” (i.e. wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts, and daily use of mosquito repellent); “Seek early consultation;” and “Support fogging/spraying” only in hot spot areas where an increase in the number of cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

According to the June 11, 2022 report of the DOH, there were 45,416 dengue cases reported from January 1 to June 11, 2022.

Cumulatively, cases this figure is 45 percent higher compared to the reported number of cases during the same period in 2021 (31,320).

Likewise, cumulatively, most dengue cases were reported from: Region 7 (5,863, 13 percent); Region 3 (5,773, 12 percent); Region 9 (4,416, 10 percent).

In the recent period or past four weeks from May 15 to June 11, 2022 where 11,680 cases were recorded, the DOH said that the region with the highest number of cases are Region 3: 1,742 (15 percent); Region 7: 1,496 (13 percent); Region 6: 962 (eight percent).

Regions Mimaropa, 6, 7, 9, 11, BARMM and CAR show an increasing trend in that same period.

Fifteen out of 17 Regions (Regions 2, 3, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, BARMM, CAR, NCR) exceeded the alert/epidemic threshold for the past four weeks.

nationally, there were 217 deaths reported (0.5 percent) with the most deaths occurring in May with 58 followed by April (45) and January (39).

“We are taking proactive actions in preventing outbreaks and raising awareness to curb the increase in the number of cases. Rest assured that the DOH is closely monitoring every disease trend and is well-prepared to respond to any request for health-care assistance that any Juan or Juana may need,” vergeire assured.