DoH-8 wary on disease spikes

In 2022, a total of 6,794 dengue cases were recorded all over Eastern Visayas with 20 deaths.

PALO, Leyte — The Department of Health in Eastern Visayas has warned on the possibility of rising cases of various diseases due to the torrential rain all over the region caused by the low-pressure area and northeast monsoon.

In a statement on Friday, the DoH-8 stressed that it is already anticipating an increase in the transmission of “WILD” diseases — water-borne diseases, influenza, leptospirosis and dengue — which are caused by a variety of bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms.

“The rainy season also poses an increased risk in the transmission of vector-based diseases such as dengue and malaria. The influenza or the common flu, albeit a year-round disease, is also anticipated to peak during this period,” said the DoH-8.

In 2022, a total of 6,794 dengue cases were recorded all over Eastern Visayas with 20 deaths; 111 cases of leptospirosis with 13 deaths; 9,009 cases of influenza-like illnesses with 25 deaths; and 5,862 cases of suspected cholera with 44 deaths.

The DoH-8 said cases of WILD diseases in Eastern Visayas is increasing in number compared to the previous years as seen in the epidemiology and surveillance reports.

“Preventive measures are a priority appeal of the Department of Health to ensure the health and safety of the most vulnerable population — pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems — who are more likely to develop complications if infected,” said the agency.

It also advised the public to be stringent in observing preventive measures such as ensuring that drinking water is from a safe source, food is well-cooked, practice constant handwashing, and avoid wading in floodwater.

Meantime, local government units were advised to utilize anti-WILD equipment and other medical supplies such as insecticides, larvicides, insecticidetreated screens, dengue NSI rapid diagnostic tests, antigen and antibody tests, oral rehydration salt, paracetamol and prophylactic antibiotics.