Sunday, March 07, 2010

DOH Warns Against “Dry Spell” Diseases


The Department of Health (DOH) in Kalibo, Aklan is warning Aklanons against outbreak of diseases during this dry spell or El Niño now being felt in the province.

According to Dr. Myrtle Pelayo, DOH Provincial Health Team leader, some of the diseases that arise during the hot weather include heatstroke, diarrhea, dehydration, measles, and many others.

Dr. Pelayo said, "people can avoid these diseases by taking plenty of liquids and staying in cooler places as much as possible."

"Under normal conditions, a person should drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water everyday. With El Niño now manifesting in Aklan, one must drink from 10 to 12 glasses daily. People should also wear lighter or thinner clothes. People should take baths daily too, to feel refreshed and cool", Dr. Pelayo added.

Pelayo also advised that with the trend now of saving water due to shortage, people must remember to cover their water containers, as the water might be used as breeding places of mosquitoes.

"We might face another health problem like dengue if this happens," she said. Mosquitoes, she said, continue to breed during the hot weather.

She also called on the people living in barangays who get their water supply from open wells to boil the water first before consuming. "Due to the low water level in wells, bacteria could thrive, which when consumed could cause diseases," Pelayo stressed.

She also advised people who store rain water to boil it first before drinking.

It is alright to use rain water for bathing or washing clothes, but for drinking, it should be boiled first.

According to PAGASA, Aklan will be moderately affected by El Niño, which is predicted to last until July of this year. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva) /MP

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