By Glen S. Ramos
THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region warns residents against W.I.L.D. diseases (Water-borne diseases, Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Dengue) caused by various bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms that may thrive in flood waters caused by torrential rains brought about by the low-pressure area (LPA) and northeast monsoon which continuously affects low-lying municipalities of various provinces.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco strongly cautioned the public not to wade in floodwaters as it can be contaminated with the leptospira bacteria. “Hindi lang ito nakukuha sa daga kundi maging sa ihi ng mga infected na hayop gaya ng baka, baboy at aso na maaaring nasa tubig-baha. Kaya mabuting mag-ingat po tayo at umiwas na maglakad at maglaro sa mga kalsada na lubog sa tubig.”
“Kung kayo ay may lagnat, pananakit ng kalamnan ng guya (calf), may pangingig, pananakit ng ulo at katawan, agtatae, pamamantal, paninilaw ng balat at pamumula ng mata ay agad ng sa pinakamalapit na ospital at magpasuri sa duktor upang maagapan agad at mabigyan ng karampatang lunas upang hindi na lumala pa.”
She added that the rainy season also poses an increased risk in the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and influenza which are common during this period.
The regional office also advised residents to wear protective gears such as boots, raincoats and umbrella when going out in the rain. Wash feet immediately with clean water and soap after in contact with flood water.
From January 1, 2023 to July 22, 2023, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) recoded a total of 45 leptospirosis cases in the region with 9 deaths. Dengue cases has a total of 1,957 with 12 deaths.
“All public health facilities are on code white status to respond to emergencies and provide immediate assistance and guidance in health emergency response situations.”
“Likewise, anti-W.I.L.D. diseases equipment and other medical supplies such as insecticides, larvicides, insecticide-treated screens, dengue NS1 (nonstructural protein 1) rapid diagnostic tests, antigen and antibody tests, oral rehydration salt, paracetamol, and prophylactic antibiotics are already prepositioned in all provincial DOH offices and provincial government health offices and ready to be distributed to LGUs, should the need arise,” Sydiongco assured.
