ccording to the National Epidemiology Center (NEC) of the Department of Health (DOH), the communicable diseases that are common during the rainy season go by the acronym WILD, which stand for Water-borne infectious diseases, Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Dengue.
The water-borne (and food-borne) diseases that are widespread during the wet season are transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water. They include diarrheal diseases that are caused by several species of the salmonella and shigella bacteria, cholera, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever.
1. Cholera is caused by several serotypes of the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Typically, it presents as sudden and profuse diarrhea that can rapidly dehydrate the patient. If untreated, a patient with cholera can die in a matter of hours.
2. Hepatitis A is an acute infection of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis A virus. Its signs and symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, body malaise, abdominal pain, fatigue, and other “flu-like symptoms” including fever. Sometimes, the skin and the white of the eye become yellow, a condition called jaundice.
3. One particular type of salmonella, Salmonella typhi causes the dreadful typhoid fever, a disease that is characterized by high-grade fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation. A significant percentage of patients who contract this disease develop serious complications that include pneumonia, meningitis and infection of the liver and gall bladder, bones, heart valves and kidneys.
4. Influenza or flu is caused by any of the three types (A, B and C) of influenza virus. The flu virus is transmitted by droplets and enters the body through the nose or mouth. It can likewise pass from the hand to the nose or mouth by touching contaminated objects.
Flu is characterized by cold-like symptoms plus body and head aches. It is a benign and self-limiting illness in most instances, but a small percentage of patients develop life-threatening complications like pneumonia.
5. Leptospirosis is caused by a microorganism that is carried by many domestic and wild animals. Humans usually acquire leptospirosis when they get in contact with water or soil that has been contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Leptospirosis symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle aches especially of the calf, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, red eyes, and chills. In its severe form, leptospirosis causes kidney damage, liver and respiratory failure, and meningitis.
6. Dengue, which by all indications will have a very high incidence rate this year, is a viral disease that is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water. It is characterized by fever and body aches. It is often self-limiting and mild, but sometimes it complicates and leads to fatal bleeding.
WILD diseases can be prevented by the following measures:
1. The most effective way to prevent a communicable disease is through immunization or vaccination. Of the common rainy season diseases, vaccines are available for influenza and hepatitis A. Have yourself immunized with these vaccines, if you haven’t done so yet.
2. Employ rain gear such as umbrellas and raincoats to avoid exposure to rain and cold weather.
3. Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated areas.
4. Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.
5. Drink only safe water—boil water if its safety is in doubt.
6. If you need to eat out, patronize reputable restaurants only. Refrain from eating food bought from ambulant peddlers.
7. Drain stagnant water from open containers such as drums and old tires, which are the breeding places of mosquitoes. Ensure that drains and gutters and sewage lines are not clogged.
8. Do not wade or swim in floodwaters.
9. At all times, observe good personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. This include thorough washing of hands with soap and water especially before eating or touching the eyes and nose with the hands.
