Doctor urges stronger health measures against 'Super Niño' disease risk

Infectious disease specialist Patricia Valenzuela is urging the public to bolster sanitary measures against viral infections during the dry season, intensified by the strong El Niño phenomenon, colloquially termed "Super Niño." She emphasized the critical need to manage drinking water storage to prevent these sites from becoming breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects.

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Boil the water intended for human consumption before ingesting it. Use plastic containers, translucent, with a wide opening and equipped with an airtight lid.

Valenzuela highlighted that common illnesses like malaria and dengue thrive in such conditions. To mitigate the risks of parasites and bacteria, she provided specific domestic management guidelines. These include consistently boiling water intended for consumption, using wide-mouthed, clear plastic containers with airtight lids, and closely monitoring hydration levels in young children and the elderly.

Particular attention should be paid to pregnant women and individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, Valenzuela noted. She also called upon public institutions to conduct widespread fumigation and environmental disinfection campaigns, especially in areas prone to rodent and pest infestations.

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Maintain constant monitoring of hydration levels in infants under two years of age and older adults. Maintain medical surveillance of pregnant women and patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Furthermore, the doctor recommended that public health services be equipped with essential supplies to manage a potential increase in patients presenting with fever, gastrointestinal issues, and muscle pain. These measures aim to curb the spread of diseases exacerbated by the current meteorological conditions.

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Equip public assistance networks with essential supplies to treat patients in case of an increase in consultations for fever, gastrointestinal and muscle pain.