Among such diseases were dengue, diarrhea, influenza, leptospirosis and typhoid fever.
The public must take precautionary measures against the said diseases, which affect mostly children, said Evelyn Bolido, a medical specialist at the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Waterborne diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are most commonly transmitted in contaminated fresh water.
About 88 percent of them can be attributed to unsafe water supply, sanitation and hygiene, the World Health Organization said.
Sanitation and proper hygiene, such as proper hand washing, are among the practices that can prevent such diseases, said Bolido.
Bolido said the PHO also directed the sanitation inspectors of Rural Health Units (RHUs) in the province to intensify inspections, particularly in school canteens.
The RHUs must also monitor the kind of food sold in school canteens and in food stalls within the school premises, she stressed.
Bolido said the PHO plans to conduct an orientation for food handlers regarding food safety. (Jemin Guillermo, PIA–Capiz/PN)
