DOH: Be on lookout for six summer diseases

The Department of Health warned the public against certain diseases common this summer season, a report on Unang Balita on Tuesday said.

Among these diseases are prickly heat (bungang araw), boils, sore eyes, stomachache, rabies, and the deadly heat stroke.

Unsafe hygiene practices can promote the spread of boils and sore eyes, the report said.

Stomachache and diarrhea, meanwhile, may be brought on by spoiled food.

Dogs are also more moody due to the summer heat, and may bite more, the report said.

For rabies cases, the DOH offers free shots.

"'Pag nakagat ka, 'yung bakuna laban sa rabies ay libreng ibinibigay ito ng Department of Health—'yung buo, 'yung kumpleto, walong iniksyon," DOH spokesman Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy said.

Heat stroke

The DOH said heat stroke may be felt not only when one is under the sun, but even indoors when there is not enough ventilation.

"'Pag nakaramdam ng pagka-uhaw, unang senyales 'yan ng dehydration. Kasi ang pagka-uhaw, 'di normal 'yon. 'Di mo dapat nararanasan ang uhaw kasi dapat well hydrated ka," Dr. Suy said.

Authorities are monitoring the conditions at the Quezon City Jail to prevent heat stroke among the detainees.

The jail has a congestion rate of 1,200 percent, so the place is very crowded.

"Talagang may possibility na magkaroon ng sakit ang mga 'yan dahil talagang overcrowded," Sr. Insp. Floro Esperos of the Quezon City Jail's Public Information Office said. —KG, GMA News