DOH officer in charge Maria Rosario Vergeire on Wednesday attributed the significant increases in food and waterborne diseases to water supply issues in some parts of the country, as well as the refocused disease surveillance program this year.
“We have to consider that during the first two years of the pandemic, the focus of surveillance was mostly channeled for COVID-19,” Vergeire said at a press briefing. She also cited the reported water shortage affecting some communities that forced residents to store water. Contaminated water, Vergeire pointed out, “may cause illnesses.”
She earlier warned the public about a possible outbreak of food and waterborne and gastrointestinal diseases amid the threat of El Niño and a possible shortage in water supply during the dry season. In announcing the official start of the dry season on March 21, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration cautioned people against “warmer temperatures” and rainfall caused by easterlies and localized thunderstorms. It also called on the public to “optimize the daily use” of water for domestic consumption.Your subscription has been successful.
kdevillaINQ Magiingat po tayo! Practice handwashing and vote for people na may malasakit sa masa at hindi lang pagpapayaman ang hangad sa buhay.