DOH LOGO The Department of Health (DOH) said that various health problems may be experienced in relation to the El Niño phenomenon. The Philippines must be prepared against possible cases of various illnesses due to this weather phenomenon, said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a recent press briefing. “In terms of health, kailangan prepared tayo, maihanda natin ang ating mga kababayan sa mga posibleng epekto ng El Nino (we need to be prepared, we should prepare our citizens for the possible effects of El Nino),” she said. One example is the possible cases of food and waterborne illnesses due to lack of water supply, said Vergeire. “Kailangan siguraduhin na potable o safe ang ating iinumin na tubig para sa ating pamilya (We need to make sure that our drinking water is  is potable or safe for our family),” she said. “Kung hindi po kayo sigurado sa pinagkukunan niyo ng tubig na maiinom, tayo po ay magpakulo ng ating tubig para ito ay maging ligtas sa organismo na maaring mag cause ng food and waterborne diseases (If you are not sure about your source of drinking water, boil the water so that it is safe from organisms that can cause food and waterborne diseases),” she added. Water containers must also be covered properly, said Vergeire. "Kailangan siguraduhin natin, maari kasi tayong magkaroon ng breeding sites ng mga lamok, kailangan tinatakpan natin ang mga iniistore natin na tubig (We need to make sure that we cover the water containers to prevent them from becoming mosquito-breeding sites)," she said. El Niño is also associated with heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, said Vergeire. "Kailangan lang talaga lagi tayong hydrated, umiinom ng tubig, iwasan lumabas ng bahay kung masyadong mainit ang araw. Kung hindi maiiwasan magdala ng payong or sombrero (We just need to stay hydrated, drink water, and avoid going outdoors when the sun is at its peak. If it cannot be avoided, bring an umbrella or wear a hat)," she said. "Kung kayo ay nakakaranas na ng sintomas, pumunta na agad at magpakonsulta sa ating pinakamalapit na healthcare facility (If you are already experiencing symptoms, immediately seek consultation to the nearest healthcare facility)," she added. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said there is an 80 percent probability that El Nino may develop by June until the last quarter of this year.