BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Health is reminding the public to be proactive and take necessary precautions with the potential impacts of El Niño on public health.

"Maging proactive tayo. What can I do as an individual to prepare myself, my children, and also the elderly that are living with me? As a community, how do we help each other?," Geeny Anne Austria of the DOH-Cordillera  Health Promotion Unit and  Communications Management Unit said during the Usapang PIA radio program over Z Radio  in Baguio City on January 11.  

Austria cautioned the public about the common diseases during El Niño or extreme heat season  such as food and waterborne diseases, influenza, leptospirosis, dengue, and chikungunya, among others.

These diseases are most likely to spread due to the increased presence of stagnant water and higher temperatures, creating a favorable breeding condition for disease-carrying mosquitoes and bacteria.

To minimize the risk of contracting these illnesses, Austria said it is necessary to practice good hygiene, especially proper handwashing. It is also essential to ensure food and water safety through proper storage to prevent contamination.

She also advised the public to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if experiencing any symptoms related to heat exhaustion,  or other extreme heat-related illnesses.

To mitigate the effect of El Niño on public health, Austria said that the DOH-CAR continues to strengthen the healthy system in the local government units,  and in training personnel of health care facilities to prepare them to respond to any disaster,  or if there is an increase in diseases. This is to ensure prompt and effective interventions, safeguarding the well-being of the community.

The health department also continues to advocate the implementation of ordinances  on health- promoting behaviors for people to protect themselves and others from diseases, she added."Adda kuma handwashing facilities. Ti sanitation code ket implemented and enforced tapnu ma-ensure a ti water source and the food that we eat are safe [There should be handwashing facilities. The sanitation code must be implemented and enforced to ensure that the water source and the food that we eat are safe]."

Based on El Niño Advisory No. 7, strong El Niño is ongoing and is expected to continue through January-February 2024. Majority of global climate models suggest that El Niño will persist until the March-April-May 2024 season.

El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts such as dry spells and droughts,  and may adversely affect the different climate-sensitive sectors such as health. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)