DOH urges flood victims to clean own surroundings

MANILA, Philippines - An expert from the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday urged those displaced by tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng” to do their part and help clear their surroundings of garbage to prevent the outbreak of diseases.

Dr. Lyndon Leesuy, program manager of the DOH’s National Dengue Program and Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases, said they observed the proliferation of garbage when they made the rounds of evacuation camps in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“If only they would pick up a piece of garbage or won’t throw their garbage just anywhere, it would be a big help already. In any situation, we should always keep our surroundings clean,” he told The STAR.

The DOH fears an outbreak of flood-borne diseases like leptospirosis, dengue and cholera or typhoid fever in areas submerged in floodwaters since Ondoy and Pepeng wrought havoc in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Northern Luzon and Calabarzon.

As of Oct. 10, the DOH had registered 10,709 cases of acute respiratory infection; 3,883 cases of skin infection; 3,100 cases of diarrhea; 1,754 cases of fever and 76 cases of pneumonia in various evacuation camps.

Leesuy warned that the presence of garbage in the community could spark the spread of illnesses because rats and cockroaches and other microorganisms thrive in them.

“It is important for us to always observe personal hygiene and sanitation for our own welfare and protection,” he added.