DOH: Outbreaks of water-borne diseases possible

MANILA, Philippines - The ongoing water supply shortage in several parts of Metro Manila and some provinces could cause outbreaks of diarrhea, skin diseases, and gastro-intestinal diseases, the Department of Health (DOH) said yesterday.                                                

“Because of the shortage of water, personal hygiene and sanitation will suffer,” said DOH program manager for Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases Dr. Lyndon Leesuy.                                     

Water concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. has cut its July water supply by 30 percent because of the receding water level in Angat Dam.                                                                            

In an advisory, Maynilad said 46 percent of its customer base has experienced reduced water pressure and shorter supply schedules. Ten percent of its customer base was severely affected, having only six hours of water supply or none at all. “If your supply of water is limited, sometimes you are also not able to clean your utensils thoroughly and this can lead to diarrhea problems,” Leesuy said.                                                  

He said the water shortage might also trigger an increase in cases of Influenza A(H1N1), which spreads through exposure to droplets expelled through coughing and sneezing and through contact with contaminated surfaces. 

He clarified, however, that there is no foreseen outbreak of the virus.                                                                                                 

A councilor in Dagupan City, meanwhile, passed a resolution yesterday enjoining all food establishments in the city to have their service and kitchen crew vaccinated against typhoid fever to prevent an outbreak of the disease.                                     

Councilor Jesus Canto, a medical doctor, also passed another resolution urging public and private schools in the city to provide hand-washing facilities to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.                                                                                        

Last week, 85 students of Lucao Elementary School got sick. With Eva Visperas