Unsound weather conditions, such as the surging heat index, can be a triggering indicative factor to multiple health risks, said Dr. Raymond Martin Corpus, head of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Cluster (NCDPCC), in a press conference held on May 7, 2025.
Dr. Corpus further cautioned the public to be vigilant against the “6 Common Summer Diseases” that are exacerbated by the rising heat: sore eyes, sunburn, sipon at ubo (colds and cough), suka (gastroenteritis) at diarrhea, sakit sa balat (skin conditions), at sakmal ng aso (dog bite).
To prevent heat-related illnesses and the spread of infections, DOH Bicol recommends that the public limit prolonged sun or UV-B ray exposure, especially from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, avoid self medication, always practice proper handwashing, and follow cough etiquette and hygiene.
Data on the animal bite cases was also presented by Dr. Corpus, with 104,760 cases recorded in 2024.
Additionally, he mentioned that there were 35 suspected cases of human rabies in the Bicol Region in 2024.
DOH Bicol advises the public to immediately seek medical attention or consult in any DOH-accredited health facilities and Animal Bite Centers upon early signs and symptoms of any heat-related illnesses.
Source: DOH Bicol CHD