The Department of Health (DOH) warned the public of illnesses that could arise due to El Niño season.
DOH told the public on Tuesday, May 30, to take precautionary measures against extreme weather heat, scarcity of clean water, and frequent rains that could cause diseases like asthma, cholera, dengue, diarrhea, fatigue, food poisoning, heat cramp, heat stroke, nausea, sunburn, typhoid fever, and other diseases due to consumption of food affected by red tide.
"To avoid heat stroke and exhaustion, hydrate yourself and drink water always, and refrain from going out during 10 a.m. to 3 p.m," DOH said in a statement.
“Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and light clothes. Bring an umbrella whenever you have to get exposed to the sun," the department added.
Meanwhile, to avoid dengue, the DOH reminded school administrators and the public to observe the 5S strategy of searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites; upholding self-protection like using insect repellents; seeking early consultation at the nearest health care facility; supporting fogging, spraying, and misting in hot spot areas; and sustain hydration.
"The implementation of the 5S strategy calls for everyone to become prime movers in controlling mosquito population and avoiding any possible dengue deaths within the community," DOH said.
"Our health and consultation services are available through our primary care and KonsulTayo services," the agency added.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised the El Niño alert status on May 2, which meant that the agency expects that the weather phenomenon will occur in the upcoming months.
PAGASA stresses that El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts, including dry spells and droughts, in some areas of the Philippines.
