Tag Archives: summer diseases

Be Responsible Pet Owners

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In celebration of Rabies Awareness Month, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), renew their commitment to end the rabies disease through a campaign to increase awareness about rabies prevention. The theme this year is “Makiisa sa barangayan kontra rabies, maging responsableng pet owner.”

Oreo's mummy

Rabies is a vaccine preventable viral disease, yet more than 59,000 people die from this disease annually. In the Philippines, it is considered a public health problem as it is one of the most acutely fatal infection, responsible for the deaths of at least 200 Filipinos each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of all rabies transmissions are from dogs.

“Prevention is key in eliminating the Rabies disease. 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans are from dogs. Be a responsible pet owner and vaccinate your pets. This is the most cost-effective strategy to prevent rabies,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III stated.

The partnership with DA, Department of Interior Local Government (DILG), Local Government Units (LGUs) and the private sector, aims to strengthen the prevention campaign to avoid unnecessary deaths due to rabies. The campaign focuses on responsible pet ownership and vaccine availability at established Animal Bite Treatment Centers.

“We have made great strides in eliminating rabies particularly in the Visayas region where a number of provinces were declared rabies-free. Let us continue this positive trend and work together towards completely eradicating this deadly disease. It is my hope to declare Philippines a rabies-free country by 2030,” the health chief concluded.

Rabies is acquired from virus in saliva entering a bite wound caused by an infected animal, usually a rabid dog. The severity of the bite determines the risk of infection. The disease does not usually spread from man to man. (Source)

Press Release

Warning signs of heat stroke

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Our suking ice cream vendor doesn’t look well when he handed me the ice cream I bought from him the other day. He appeared slightly pale, perspiring and exhausted. I told him to take a rest in the shade of the mango tree in front of our house. He told me that he almost fainted the other day, but tried hard not to fall from where he was standing because he was afraid there wouldn’t be anyone to help him. Poor manong. He stopped for a while but continue pushing his cart to offer ice cream to the potential clients nearby.

So, what are the warning signs of heat stroke? Even when we are in the confines of our own homes, we are not spared from heat stroke.

Heat stroke usually starts with signs of heat exhaustion:

  • Warm, flushed skin
  • Faintness
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Very high fever of 41 degrees centigrade
  • Headache
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Convulsion
  • Unconsciousness

What should we do to prevent heat stroke:

  • Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved clothing when outdoors.
  • Schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day, when it’s cooler.

Source: doh.gov.ph

No more milk tea for now

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For fear of poisoning (story here), my daughter who loves milk tea will refrain from drinking one for now. Cases of food and beverage poisoning caused by bacterial contamination is particularly high during the summer months. We can avoid getting sick if we are wary of the food and water we take. We may also check on the sanitation of the stores we get our favorite snacks from. Don’t get me wrong, maraming simpleng stores (‘yung tipong suki na natin) pero malinis naman ang pagkagawa ng paninda nila. Alarming lang talaga nangyari sa milk tea poisoning.

Meanwhile, the government has issued an update regarding the alleged milk tea poisoning:

The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and toxicologists from the UP-Philippine General Hospital (PGH), obtained and studied the footage from the food establishment to aid in assessing the clinical manifestations and course of illness of the victims. Samples of the milk tea ingested were also submitted for examination. Preliminary results were negative for suspected toxic substances. However, we have expanded the tests to include biological samples such as blood, tissues, and gastric contents from the victims as collected during the autopsy.

The situation appears to be an isolated event, pointing to a possible case of poisoning. Let me emphasize that this is isolated. In fact, this is the third time the couple bought milk tea in the same food establishment. No untoward incident happened during the previous intake. We appeal to the public not to generalize the situation as many small and medium scale enterprises are dependent on the sale of milk tea and similar beverages.

A joint DOH-DENR Advisory concerning cyanide-containing substances has been issued in 2010. Taking into consideration the serious health impact of cyanide-containing silver jewelry cleaning solutions, the DOH calls for the immediate passage of a law making the sale and dispensing of these substances a criminal act. Meanwhile, we urge the local government units to pass ordinances banning these substances in their respective jurisdictions.

We call on the public to be aware of the initial signs and symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and impaired or loss of consciousness. Whether mild or severe, the patient should be immediately brought to the nearest hospital. Poisoning is deadly and immediate medical attention is warranted.For inquiries, the National Poison Center-PGH, which is open 24 hours and seven days a week,may be reached at the following numbers: (02) 554-8400 local 2311, (02) 524-1078, or 0922-8961541.

doh.gov.ph

Let’s have an enjoyable healthy summer – DOH

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The Department of Health (DOH) today advised the public to be mindful of their health during the summer season’s flurry of activities, starting with the Holy Week observance, followed by outings, fiestas, and the like.

“This year, the Holy Week signals the start of summer vacation activities, thus, we are urging the public to keep themselves healthy and fit in the midst of their busyness,” Health Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin said.

Garin revealed that there are six common summer diseases or conditions (6S) that can adversely affect one’s health. These are Sore eyes, Sunburn, Sipon at ubo, Suka at tae, Sakitsabalat and Sakmal ng aso.

Sore eyes or conjunctivitis, when mistreated, can lead to blindness. More than just eye irritation, it can easily be due to harmful bacteria or viruses that easily spread to other people. Hand washing can limit its spread. Health experts advise not to use eye drops without consulting a doctor.

Sunburn can be prevented if you hold your outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid direct exposure to sun between 10am-2pm. Hide in the shade or seek cool places to prevent the ill-effects of too much sun exposure. Use sunscreen appropriately, like choosing a product that retards against both UVA and UVB rays, with at least an SPF30, applying it 30 minutes before actual sun exposure. Re-apply if exposure will be extended and do not forget the ears, nape areas and feet.

Heat stroke is a more serious consequence of too much exposure to sun. This can be avoided by drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day. Holy Week penitents can also benefit from these tips.

Sipon at ubo easily spreads even during the summer months, as erratic weather bring sudden downpours from time to time. Senior citizens are advised to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins in June.

Suka at tae follows the consumption of contaminated food or drinks. Be cautious of street foods and also those prepared for out-of-town trips. Remember that food spoils easily during the hot summer months. Always have oral rehydration salt solution ready in case one suffers diarrhea. Seek early consultation to prevent severe dehydration.

Sakit sabalat is another common summer disease in areas where water becomes scarce and that daily bathing is compromised. Usually, inmates in crowded prisons suffer boils due to heat and congestion.

Also, skin diseases abound when one swims in dirty water or unmaintained public swimming pools. Remember to take a bath before and after plunging into the pool and please do not urinate in the pool. However, the real danger in swimming is drowning. Children should not be left alone in the pool or beach.

Sakmal ng aso can lead to rabies if wounds are not washed and cared for properly. Make sure dogs are vaccinated against rabies. If you sustain dog bites, visit the animal bite center to get rabies vaccination immediately.

Summer is also a time for vacation and travel. The health chief also reminded the public to follow simple road safety tips like do not call or text while driving, do not drink alcoholic beverages if you will drive, do not drive if you are sleepy, always wear seatbelt, and always follow traffic rules especially speed limits. For those riding motorcycles or bicycles, always wear your helmet.

“Remember to keep yourself healthy and safe. Let us all have an enjoyable, disease-free, and injury-free summer. May papel tayong pangalagaan ang ating kalusugan” Garin concluded.

PRESS RELEASE