InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health ordered Friday the disinfection and sanitation of tons of still uncollected garbage scattered in Metro Manila’s streets to prevent a possible disease outbreak.
The DOH’s Center for Health Development-National Capital Region said it dispatched sanitation and disinfection teams to specific areas in Metro Manila where mounds of garbage have remained uncollected after more than a week when torrential rains submerged half of the capital.
“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,” said Dr. Eduardo Janairo, head of the DOH CHD-NCR.
Janairo said exposed trash left lying on the streets could cause an outbreak of flu, fever, diarrhea, cholera and skin problems.
He warned that open waste such as human feces, liquid and solid waste from households and community are sources of serious health hazards and may lead to the spread of infectious disases.
According to Janairo, uncollected rubbish also attract insects and rats that can spread diseases. Decomposing liquid waste is also a source of foul odor that may cause health problems.
The fact that such rubbish is left lying outside homes and near evacuation centers is also cause for alarm, he said.
The DOH advised the public not to touch uncollected garbage; and said trash collectors must wear protective gear and observe personal hygiene to avoid getting sick.
“I strongly advise people to avoid 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 have to collect scraps to sell for profit should wear slippers, and wash thoroughly both hands and feet with soap and water after coming from the garbage dumps,” Janairo said.
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