CEBU CITY – Health authorities in Central Visayas have warned the public against water-borne diseases with the onset of the rainy season.

Influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue are common during the rainy season, said Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, regional epidemiologist of the Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-7).
“We can get these diseases if our water source is infected or contaminated with all these floodings. If the water system is not treated and we use it for cooking, drinking, it will really cause diarrhea,” said Cañal during the Open Line News Forum on Tuesday, June 25.
Diarrhea is the clearest manifestation that an individual was able to intake contaminated water, said Cañal.
Influenza is common during the rainy season as viruses carrying the disease rapidly grow when the temperature is cool, said Cañal.
“Good thing with influenza-like illnesses, they will be gone in five to seven days. You will get better without medication because the symptoms are mild like fever, colds, teary-eyed,” Cañal said.
Leptospirosis is the most dangerous if not treated right away. The disease can be acquired through exposure to the urine of infected animals either from direct contact or from contact with soil or water contaminated by the urine.
“If you have broken skin then you waded through flood, that may cause leptospirosis,” said Cañal.
The virus that causes leptospirosis targets the kidney and liver.
“You will have fever then after five days it will be gone then after two weeks, it will come back and you will start to become yellowish and weak because the virus has affected the liver and kidney already,” said Cañal.
Cañal said it is very important to rinse off thoroughly after wading through flooded areas.
She said those who are suspecting of having leptospirosis must visit health centers right away as antibiotics are given for free. “Our rural health units have the needed antibiotics. They have prepared for the rainy season,” said Cañal.
Cañal added that diseases that are common during the rainy season can be avoided by taking vitamins, having enough exercise, and eating nutritious food.