CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in Calabarzon has warned the public about the health risks posed by the warm climate brought by the El Niño phenomenon and the onset of the dry or summer season. 

DOH Assistant Secretary and DOH-CHD IV-A Regional Director Ariel Valencia said proactive precautions must be taken with the rise of illnesses caused by the El Niño phenomenon. 

“The El Niño phenomenon greatly impacts public health, especially this summer season. We need to be proactive and take the necessary precautions with the rise of illnesses and diseases,” Valencia reminds the public.

The assistant secretary said that diarrhea, sunburn, asthma, fatigue, heat stroke, heat cramps, and exhaustion are some of the common illnesses contracted during the hot weather. 

With the unpredictable weather caused by the El Niño phenomenon, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (RDRRM-H) Officer-in-Charge, Joehl Melchor Francisco, has warned the public about the possible rise of dengue cases due to the increased humidity and rainfall. 

“These diseases are most likely to spread because of the high temperatures and increased presence of stagnant water, creating breeding conditions for disease-carrying mosquitoes and bacteria,” Francisco added.

Cholera, typhoid fever, and even vector-borne diseases such as dengue are also widespread during this season, prompting DOH to remind everyone to maintain good hygiene, drink an adequate amount of water, and use better food preparation and handling to prevent the spread of the illnesses.

The health department assured that they are committed to helping the community prepare for potential health issues that the El Niño phenomenon may cause. 

Through its Health Education and Promotions Unit, DOH CHD IV-A has been keeping the public informed on the safety precautions to avoid various water-borne diseases and other illnesses caused by extreme weather through their various information, education, and communication materials. 

In a separate press conference, the CALABARZON Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) said that it has been installing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities and monitoring health facilities to ensure an ample supply of clean water. (PB/PIA-4A; with reports from DOH-CHD Calabarzon Health Education and Promotion Unit)