doh issues warning on water-borne diseases

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued an advisory on water-borne diseases that may increase during the rainy season because of flooding brought about by typhoons and heavy rains.

“Floodwaters can potentially increase the transmission of waterborne diseases, or diseases transmitted through water contaminated with human or animal waste. These include typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and Hepatitis A,” the department said over the weekend.

Typhoid fever, for instance, is an infectious disease also known as enteric fever. It is caused by bacteria known as salmonella typhi and spreads through contaminated food and water or through close contact with someone who is infected, the DOH said.

Signs and symptoms include high and low-grade fever for several days, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, either diarrhea or constipation and abdominal discomfort.

Cholera, on the other hand, is an intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholerae. Its incubation period ranges from less than one day to five days. The infection causes a profuse, painless, watery diarrhea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if treatment is not promptly given.

The DOH warned that in extreme cases, cholera can kill a healthy individual within two to three hours if no treatment is provided.

The agency noted that leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by rats through urine and feces. It can contaminate the soil, water and vegetation.

Its mode of transmission includes ingesting contaminated food or water, or when broken skin or open wounds are exposed to floodwaters. Its incubation period is from seven to10 days.

“Hepatitis A, one of the oldest diseases known to humankind, is an infectious disease caused by Hepatitis A virus (HAV). The most common mode of transmission is ingestion of food contaminated with human waste and urine of persons who have Hepatitis A,” the DOH said.

Its symptoms usually include fever, flu-like symptoms such as weakness, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite and dizziness. Other symptoms may be so mild that they go unnoticed.

The DOH said climate change also affects the increase of the intensity of typhoons.

“Water is a necessity in our daily existence. Make sure drinking water is from a safe and reliable source. When in doubt, it is a must to wait for two minutes or longer when the water reaches a rolling boil, or chlorinate drinking water to make it safe,” it added.

The agency said food, like water, “is equally important to sustain us and keep us healthy and active.” It advised the public to cook food well and to keep leftovers covered and away from household pests.

“Keep yourself dry and warm, especially during the cold weather. Always wash your hands before and after eating and after using the toilet. When sick, consult a doctor or go to the nearest health facility at once if you or any household member has any sign or symptom of infection,” the DOH said.

The agency also reminded the public that during typhoons, “do not wade or swim in floodwaters to avoid diseases, such as leptospirosis, dispose all wastes properly, maintain good personal hygiene and put safety first.”

The public was also advised to stay away from hanging wires and unstable structures.