El Niño in mature stage; DOH on the lookout for diseases

RAPHAEL BOSANO

ABS-CBN News

<figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments" id="isPasted"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1707318407038.png" alt="People shield themselves from the sun as they walk toward a transport terminal in Manila on April 17, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><figcaption>People shield themselves from the sun as they walk toward a transport terminal in Manila on April 17, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File</figcaption></figure>MANILA — The prevailing El Niño phenomenon is now in its mature stage, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.   While it may begin to decay towards the latter part of February or early March, PAGASA’s Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Climatology and Agrometeorology Division Ana Liza Solis says its impacts will be felt belatedly.   “Historically, we always see a lag in terms of its effects. This means that even as it weakens, its significant impacts, including a great reduction in rainfall and heat, will continue to manifest,” she said.   PAGASA earlier reported that 2023 was the 11th warmest year for the Philippines. But Solis says 2024’s dry season may be characterized by even warmer temperatures as the El Niño wheels into it.<ul><li><a data-cke-saved-href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/01/11/24/2023-is-11th-hottest-year-in-philippines-pagasa" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/01/11/24/2023-is-11th-hottest-year-in-philippines-pagasa">2023 only 11th hottest year in Philippines: PAGASA</a></li></ul> “It may be hotter because there will be less clouds. This means that the heat from the sun is more direct. And if clouds form at night, the heat is trapped because it isn’t able to bounce back. Then the same happens the following day so the heat is confined at low levels of the atmosphere,” Solis explained.   The impacts of less rainfall and heat is usually seen on agricultural products and water supply. But experts say the climate phenomenon also highly impacts human health.   A MYRIAD OF DISEASES   El Niño can significantly affect public health especially if people don’t act early enough to avoid it.   Among the illnesses the Department of Health (DOH) is looking out for during El Niño are those that are caused by extreme heat.<ul><li><a data-cke-saved-href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/06/28/23/heat-exhaustion-or-heatstroke-what-to-do-in-an-emergency" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/06/28/23/heat-exhaustion-or-heatstroke-what-to-do-in-an-emergency">Heat exhaustion or heatstroke: what to do in an emergency</a></li></ul> Joehl Melchor Francisco, DOH-CALABARZON Center for Health Development’s OIC for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit, explains that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are the first to usually manifest under such conditions.   “Heat cramps happen when we are exposed for prolonged periods to hot weather and don’t regularly hydrate and rest. It usually affects the leg and abdominal muscles.”   Unresolved heat cramps progress to heat exhaustion which compounds symptoms of heat cramps as well as excessive sweating and delirium. Heat stroke is the worst stage where a patient may lose consciousness which, if not managed immediately, can lead to death.   Dengue is also another disease which the public must watch out for.   Francisco explains that while there is much less rainfall during an El Niño, dengue remains a possibility because aside from it being endemic, more people resort to storing water which become potential breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.<ul><li><a data-cke-saved-href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/12/22/23/who-ph-most-affected-by-dengue-in-western-pacific" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/12/22/23/who-ph-most-affected-by-dengue-in-western-pacific">WHO: PH most affected by dengue in Western Pacific</a></li></ul> “People are usually instructed to store water during El Niño. But a common mistake is improperly storing them. Some don’t cover water containers and this becomes a breeding site for mosquitoes. In other containers, moisture accumulates which may also become a breeding site.”   In just over a month, CALABARZON has already logged over 1,150 cases of the vector-borne disease.   “The DOH has conducted many information and education campaigns on dengue so it’s really up to people to practice what they learn. Dengue is closely tied improper waste management and unsanitary practices so we have always advocated on cleaning our surroundings to really avoid getting it.”   Also part of a string of illnesses being closely monitored is diarrhea. Because there is less water during El Niño and dry season, some would resort to drawing water from unsafe sources which then leads to bacterial infections.   Experts have repeatedly advised the public to only consume water from safe sources or to boil water for at least two minutes if unsure of safety.   With the impacts of El Niño expected to worsen in the coming weeks, experts have been one in reminding the public to remain vigilant and act responsibly.   This means being mindful not only of how precious resources are used but even more so taking necessary precaution to ensure individual health.<div> RELATED VIDEO</div><figure><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BSaYfhHcP5A?enablejsapi=1"></iframe></figure>Watch more News on <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.iwanttfc.com/#!/browse/Genres/News/tag_id_genres/id_news" href="https://www.iwanttfc.com/#!/browse/Genres/News/tag_id_genres/id_news" target="_blank">iWantTFC</a><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>

The prevailing El Niño phenomenon is now in its mature stage, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

The prevailing El Niño phenomenon is now in its mature stage, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

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El Niño in mature stage; DOH on the lookout for diseases

El Niño in mature stage; DOH on the lookout for diseases

RAPHAEL BOSANO,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 07, 2024 11:07 PM PHT

Read More:

El Niño

drought

impacts

health

PAGASA

DOH

heat stroke

heat cramps

Department of Health

dengue

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