Aside from dengue, the Cebu City Health Department warned the public against other diseases, which are prevalent during the rainy season. Mumps, diarrhea and sore eyes are also common during the wet season, said assistant epidemiologist Durinda Macasocol.
From January to August this year, the CCHD has already recorded 1,443 diarrhea cases, with four deaths. Most of the diarrhea patients were between six months to 15 years old. If diarrhea is not treated immediately, it could lead to dehydration and could be fatal, said Macasocol. Diarrhea symptoms include loose and watery stools, abdominal pain, fever, bleeding and dizziness.
“Diarrhea is a very common disease. Sometimes our body experiences it to get rid of waste and toxins. But if the stools remain loose for two days already then the patient should be treated properly. Otherwise, the condition can be fatal because of dehydration.”
Macasocol advised parents to give their affected children Oral Rehydration Solution which is given free at barangay health centers. If symptoms persist, parents should bring their children to the doctor.
Other infectious diseases that spread fast during the wet season are mumps and sore eyes. Mumps is a contagious airborne viral infection of the nose or throat. Patients feel discomfort and fever, followed by pain in the jawbone, accompanied by the swelling of the parotid gland. Swelling often occurs unevenly on just one side of the face. Macasocol said patients with mumps should rest and drink a lot of fluid.
Sore eyes spreads even faster than mumps, said Macasocol. This viral infection inflames the thin covering of the eyeball and is easily noticed by the patient’s red, sometimes swollen eyes that are sensitive to light.
A patient may also suffer a running nose and sore throat, added Macasocol. Most of these symptoms last for four to seven days. She said a warm compress may be applied to the eyes to relieve discomfort. If anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops are used, they should be at the recommendation of a doctor.
It’s important to keep a good immune system and proper hygiene, she said. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will keep the body hydrated and taking vitamins will boost the immune system.
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