As the Philippines continued to deal with the issue of floods in various places, the Department of Health (DOH) warned the residents of waterborne and diarrheal diseases that can emerge in such situations.

Health Undersecretary Dr. Enrique Tayag, in a media forum on Tuesday, Sept. 5, said contaminated water supply could pose a “serious health risk” in flood-prone areas.

To protect residents in such areas from waterborne and related diseases, DOH also issued a set of tips to address such concerns.

For people living in flood-prone areas, DOH recommended boiling water before consumption.

Alternatively, Tayag said individuals can “seek assistance from local health centers to obtain water disinfectant solutions” to ensure the safety of their drinking water.

In the event of diarrhea cases in households, Tayag recommended that the first line of treatment be an oral rehydration solution.

When access to a prepared solution is limited, Tayag said residents can create a “homemade solution” by mixing one liter of water with six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt.

Tayag added that the mixture should be consumed slowly over one to two hours to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.

The DOH has noted that the recommended oral rehydration solution for diarrhea can also serve as an initial treatment for suspected early-stage dengue cases, providing a multifunctional approach to addressing health concerns in affected communities.

These recommendations from DOH underscored the importance of preparedness and informed action in flood-prone regions, where immediate health interventions can make a significant difference in the overall well-being of residents.

Meanwhile, the Health department emphasized the importance of these precautions that can be instrumental in safeguarding public health --- particularly in flood-prone areas where contamination risks are high. (Zekinah Elize Espina)