ILOILO City — The Department of Health (DOH) has warned that prolonged dry conditions associated with El Niño could trigger a surge in dengue, waterborne infections and other diseases across Western Visayas, as extreme heat threatens public health beyond cases of dehydration and heat stroke.
Water shortages, deteriorating air quality and disruptions in food production could expose communities to multiple health hazards, particularly children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with existing medical conditions.
Of particular concern is the increased risk of dengue and chikungunya as households resort to storing water in uncovered drums, basins and other containers during prolonged dry spells.
These containers can become breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit both diseases.
The agency also warned that dwindling water supplies could force households to rely on unsafe sources, increasing the risk of diarrhea, cholera and other gastrointestinal infections.
Meanwhile, sustained extreme heat could aggravate hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, while dehydration and prolonged sun exposure could lead to potentially fatal heat stroke.
Dry vegetation and increased wildfire risks could further worsen air pollution, triggering asthma attacks, bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses.
DOH Region 6 also raised concerns over possible increases in animal bite incidents as stray and wild animals seek water and shelter near populated communities.
Beyond immediate health threats, agricultural losses and food shortages could heighten malnutrition risks among children and pregnant or lactating women while worsening psychological distress among farming families.
Prevention measures intensified
To prevent disease outbreaks, DOH-6 urged local government units, barangay health workers and healthcare facilities to strengthen community-level monitoring and preventive measures.
Households were advised to tightly cover water storage containers, scrub them weekly and eliminate stagnant water around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding.
Residents should also ensure drinking water is safe, boiling water for at least two minutes or using approved chlorination methods when its quality is uncertain.
To avoid heat-related illnesses, the public was advised to limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., drink water regularly and wear light, breathable clothing.
“Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe this El Niño. Prevent heat-related illnesses by drinking water regularly, avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme heat, wearing light and breathable clothing, and taking frequent rest breaks in cool or shaded areas. Recognize early warning signs and seek medical attention promptly,” DOH-6 stated in an advisory to Panay News.
“Remember, prevention is better than cure, and protecting yourself from extreme heat can save lives,” it added.
The agency also directed barangay health workers to prioritize nutritional screening of vulnerable households, particularly those affected by food insecurity.
Health centers were urged to provide mental health and psychosocial support to residents experiencing economic and agricultural distress.
Patients with hypertension and diabetes were reminded to maintain adequate supplies of prescribed medications and undergo regular health monitoring.
Meanwhile, individuals bitten or scratched by animals should immediately wash their wounds with soap and running water for 15 minutes and seek treatment at an Animal Bite Treatment Center.
DOH-6 advised residents experiencing severe heat exhaustion, persistent fever, repeated vomiting or altered mental state to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
The agency emphasized that early intervention, safe water practices, mosquito control and community vigilance are essential to preventing El Niño-related health emergencies across the region./PN
