The Department of Health has warned the public against the potential increase in transmission of communicable diseases as heavy rains bring floodwaters to most areas of the metropolis.
The most common diseases during the wet season is known as WILD, an acronym for water-borne diseases (typhoid fever and cholera), influenza or respiratory diseases, leptospirosis, and dengue.
During leptospirosis outbreaks following typhoons, 100 or more out of 100,000 may be infected, according to the World Health Organization, with five to 15 percent of untreated cases possibly leading to death.
During this season, from 60 to 70 percent of dengue cases happen, according to health officials.
For the first half of 2016, more than 71,000 dengue cases have been reported, or 19 percent more than the cases in the same period last year. Of this number, 308 have since died.
The DoH also warned against common infections that may spread in evacuation areas during typhoons which include cough and colds, acute gastroenteritis, skin and eye infections, measles, and hepatitis A.
On battling these communicable diseases, the Health Department reminded the public to maintain personal hygiene. Clean water and food and warm clothing should be considered.
The DoH also released a health advisory against dengue or the 4S: search and destroy; observe self-protection measures; seek early consultation; and “no” to indiscriminate fogging.
To date, 47 barangays nationwide are dengue hotspots including some in Metro Manila.
Regions that listed the highest dengue cases are CALABARZON, with 8,059 (12.2 percent); Northern Mindanao, 6,447 (9.7 percent); Central Visayas, 6,422 (9.7 percent); SOCCSKSARGEN, 6,063 (9.1 percent); and Central Luzon, 6,048 (9.1 percent).
But DOH spokesman Eric Tayag said this is “just the seasonal increase (of the diseases).”
The country averages 24 tropical cyclones each year, with the southwest monsoon – locally called habagat – adding to this phenomenon which aggravates floods in the country.