DOH to disinfect uncollected trash in Metro Manila

Published August 20, 2012 8:00am

As piles of trash in some areas in Metro Manila remain uncollected following weeks of heavy rain and floods, the Department of Health (DOH) over the weekend dispatched teams to disinfect the refuse.

DOH Metro Manila head Eduardo Janairo advised residents to take precautions against possible diseases caused by exposure to the uncollected trash. DOH Secretary Enrique Ona said the disinfection aims to prevent any possible outbreak of diseases from harmful microorganisms and diseases from diffused garbage and human wastes.

A DOH news release noted the recent monsoon rain left huge amounts of trash on the streets.

"Swarms of flies hover over garbage on the sides of roads, close to homes and evacuation areas," it added.

The DOH warned that human waste as well as liquid and solid waste from households can be sources of serious health hazards and could lead to the spread of infectious diseases.

Unattended garbage also attracts flies and rats that can spread disease. Decomposing liquid waste, on the other hand, is a source of fetid odor and leads to unhealthy conditions and cause health problems, the DOH said.

“We aim for prevention and we will not wait for diseases and other harmful bacteria to spread in populated areas. We should protect our health and that of our children because they are most vulnerable in contracting illness when exposed to these wastes,” Janairo said in a He said sanitation and disinfection teams were dispatched around specific areas to disinfect the mounds of garbage.

Janairo said the disinfection will prevent an outbreak of illnesses like flu, fever, diarrhea, cholera, and skin problems.

Janairo also advised the public against "climbing, playing, or picking up leftovers among clusters of garbage."

"For the waste collectors, be sure to wear protective gear like boots and gloves. Those who cannot shun away from collecting scraps to sell for profit, be sure to wear slippers and wash thoroughly both hands and feet with soap and water after coming from the garbage dumps,” he said.

A separate report by radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo quoted Janairo as asking village officials to help reduce the risk of diseases like leptospirosis, especially in areas that children frequent, such as schools and eateries. - VVP, GMA News

Tags: departmentofhealth, garbage