DOH records 118 heat exhaustion cases amid warm season

Over a hundred cases of heat exhaustion have been reported this warm and dry season, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday.

At a press conference, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that of the 118 incident reports on heat exhaustion, 85 were cases of students from Gulod National High School-Mamatid Extension in Cabuyao, Laguna logged on March 23.

Thirty-three individuals from four high schools in Valenzuela also suffered the same, which were recorded on March 9.

“For now, wala pa tayong na-report na severe o kaya naging kritikal dahil dito. Kung sila man ay nadala sa ospital, sila naman ay binigyan lang ng first aid o karampatang lunas at pinauwi na rin pagkatapos,” Vergeire said.

(For now, we have not reported any severe or critical cases because of heat exhaustion. If they were taken to the hospital, they were only given first aid or appropriate treatment and were also sent home afterwards.)

As people plan activities this Holy Week, the Health official reminded that heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke choose no age.

“Lagi tayong uminom ng maraming maraming tubig. Huwag tayong bumilad sa araw at kung hindi mapipigilan, tayo ay magpayong. Magsuot tayo ng mga light clothing, ‘wag na mag-jacket at mahahabang damit dahil ito’y nakakadagdag sa init ng ating katawan,” she said.

(Always drink a lot of water. Let's not expose ourselves to the heat of the sun for too long or use an umbrella if not possible. Wear light clothing, don't wear jackets and long sleeves as they add to the heat of our bodies.)

She also advised those who feel any symptoms to consult a doctor immediately.

DOH said that heat exhaustion may occur after exposure to high temperatures and is often accompanied by dehydration.

Its symptoms include confusion, dark-colored urine, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, headache, muscle and abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, pale skin, profuse sweating, and rapid heartbeat.—LDF, GMA Integrated News