DOH cautions public on illnesses in summer

It's summer time again and the Department of Health yesterday warned the public to watch out for diseases that usually strike during this period.

Department of Health regional director Susan Madarieta and regional nutritionist Julieta Tutor issued this warning during the Kapihan sa PIA forum at the DOH conference room yesterday.

The health officials distributed copies of the DOH advisory that provides information on proper preparation and intake of foods and drinks, safe activities at the beach, and proper checking of vehicles before going on a trip.

The advisory also contained data on summer-related illnesses such as prickly heat, heatstroke, sunburn, sore eyes, ---their causes, symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment.

It also presented brief details on water sanitation, food safety, paralytic shellfish poisoning (red tide), and the El Niño phenomenon.

Madarieta advised the public to avoid food poisoning, diarrhea, heat-associated ailments, and recreation-associated injuries, as she asked the public to be more cautious of these illnesses that have been common during summer time.

On heatstroke, she said that the symptoms are feeling of weakness, fainting, dizzying, and having a headache. One may also feel rapid heartbeat, convulsion, delirium, and very high fever at 41 degrees C, even experience unconsciousness, she said.

People should avoid long exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water, and do outdoor work or activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon, said the health officials. – Junel Joe Gato /RAE