DOH monitoring possible rise in 'WILD' diseases cases

The Department of Health (DOH) said it is currently monitoring possible cases of waterborne and foodborne illnesses, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue (W.I.L.D.) diseases following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng in several parts of the country.

In a forum on Wednesday, Nov. 2, DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Alethea De Guzman said that typhoons and floods can lead to more cases of such diseases.

Currently, the DOH has yet to see an increase in cases of these kinds of diseases, particularly in cholera, typhoid fever, leptospirosis, and dengue, said De Guzman.

“Napakahalaga na ang pag-iwas sa WILD diseases ay naka focus tayo sa pamamagitan ng pag ensure ng ating tubig na iniinom ay ligtas, ang ating pagkain ay safe (It is very important that we focus on preventing WILD diseases by ensuring that our drinking water and food are safe),” said De Guzman.

“Kung sakaling may mga mga nararamdamang sakit, huwag mag atubiling kumumsulta sa malapit na healthcare center upang mabigyan ng paunang lunas (In case of feeling sick, do not hesitate to consult the nearest healthcare center),” she added.

The DOH also assured that medicines and other supplies were already distributed to its regional offices.

“Meron na tayong mga prepositioned na mga gamit that includes assorted medicines na nandoon na sila sa mga regions para kung kailangan ng LGUs natin, mabilis po natin mabibigay (We already have prepositioned supplies that include assorted medicines that are already there in the regions so that if our LGUs need them, we can provide them immediately),” said DOH Health Emergency Management Bureau Dr. Benadette Velasco.

So far, the most common illnesses in areas affected by Paeng include acute and upper respiratory infection with 129 consultations. It was followed by cough and colds (68), wounds (50), skin diseases (16), bruises (15), fever (11), hypertension (9), and acute gastroenteritis (7).