As the rainy season begins, the Department of Health (DoH) has alerted the public on water- and food-borne diseases that normally come with the season. The National Epidemiology Center (NEC) of the DoH has started its information campaign to stem a possible increase in illnesses associated with the rainy season. These illnesses include cholera, Hepatitis A, typhoid fever, influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue.

As regards dengue, the Department of Health has already issued several advisories on this recurring illness. The DoH has stepped up the awareness and prevention program for dengue.

From January 1 to July 31, 2010, a total of 40,648 dengue cases were reported nationwide. This is 48% higher than the 27, 473 incidents reported in the same period last year.

The DoH’s dengue advisory on its Web site said the disease is transmitted through the mosquito species aedes aegypti which bites in the day and lays eggs in clear and stagnant water.

Symptoms include fever of two to seven days, joint and muscle pain behind the eyes, skin rashes, and nose bleeding. To stop the breeding of mosquitoes, the DoH advises covering water containers, replacing water in flower vases frequently, and cleaning of gutters to prevent water collection.

The Department of Health has also recommended a number of preventive measures on other water- and food-borne diseases.

 The old adage health is wealth should be heeded by all Filipinos. As the rains come in, heeding the Department of Health’s advisory will definitely go a long way in securing the physical capital that is essential in bringing in income for every Filipino family.