Top 3 common diseases during rainy season

The rainy season is on.

The country already entered the rainy season and there are lot of possible diseases that can be obtained by the body. The location of the Philippines is very prone to typhoons for there are estimated 24 tropical cyclones that enter the country.

According to state weather bureau PAGASA, there are about one to 16 cyclones that will enter the Philippines this year. Now, brace yourself against the top three diseases that can proliferate during rainy season.

DENGUE

Dengue is an infection caused by a virus carried through the bites of infected mosquitoes, which can be acquired during rainy season in a dirty environment.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the primary and secondary carriers of the virus. They breed even in the small amounts of water in storage units such as tanks, flower vases, cisterns and backyard litter.

As stated on the latest report from DOH, from January to June 2015, a total of 32, 440 suspected dengue cases were reported nationwide. Majority of cases were male at 54% and a total of 105 deaths were recorded.

Symptoms of dengue can be high fever, severe headache, vomiting, skin rashes, and muscle pain.

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LEPTOSPIROSIS

This disease is very common in the Philippines because it is a tropical country. The country is easily flooded so there is a higher chance of being infected by bacteria that came from the water contaminated by rat urine or feces. Leptospirosis can be obtained by swallowing contaminated food, or even skin contact with the contaminated water and the bacteria can possibly enter through the wounds on skin.

According to DOH, the reports showed that a total of 291 suspected leptospirosis cases were reported from January to June 2015. Most cases were recorded from Region VI, National Capital Region, Region III and Region II.

Symptoms of leptospirosis may include high fever, muscle pain, chills, redness in the eye, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes.

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INFLUENZA

Influenza is commonly known as “flu”, a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infects the lungs, throat, and nose.

A study conducted by the US National Institute of Health showed that influenza tends to occur during the rainy season in the tropics. Rain and humidity are the key factors in the tropical regions.

According to DOH, influenza is characterized by fever, headache, sore throat, and cough. The incubation period is between one to three days because influenza is an airborne disease that can spread within a crowded population.

A total of 47,482 influenza-like illness cases were reported nationwide from January to July 2015. The majority of cases were male with 51.4% ranging from one to four years old.

The best way to get rid of influenza is by getting a flu vaccine each year especially for the kids who are prone to many kinds of illness or diseases.

Rainy season can be very fun and exciting, but we should also be careful in our environment to avoid such diseases. We must always take good care of ourselves, maintain a balanced diet, eat fruits and vegetables for a stronger immune system, exercise, and surround yourself with positivity.