DOH reports 67 heat-related illnesses for school-aged individuals

As rising temperatures affect the country, the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said it recorded 67 cases of heat-related illnesses among individuals aged 12 years old to 21 years old.

Citing data from the event-based surveillance and response unit (ESR), Dr. Vito Roque of the Epidemiology Bureau said the 67 cases were recorded from January 1 to April 29.

One case was recorded in the Ilocos Region while the rest were in Central Visayas. There were no recorded fatalities.

According to Roque, the single case in the Ilocos Region was a 14-year-old student who experienced difficulty breathing due to heat exhaustion.

In Central Visayas, 27 students aged 13 to 20 years old experienced epigastric pain, hyperventilation and palpitations.

“Ito po yung mga bata na nasa isang street dance competition at sila po ay performers at dancers (these were children who were performers and dancers in a street dance competition),” Roque said during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education on the effect of extreme heat on classes.

Meanwhile, 39 participants of a street dance parade in Central Visayas experienced dizziness, loss of consciousness, fatigue, vomiting and hyperventilation.

The individuals were aged 12 to 21 years old.

Due to this, Roque discouraged schools against conducting outdoor activities.

“Opo, kasi nakabilad po sila sa araw (yes, because they are exposed to the sun),” he said.

The DOH previously advised the public to take preventive measures against these illnesses, including drinking lots of water and to avoid iced tea, soda, coffee or alcoholic drinks.

People should also limit their time spent outdoors between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., use protection against sunburn such as hats, umbrellas, and sunblock, and wear loose fitting and lightweight clothing.

Weather bureau PAGASA earlier said the scorching heat may continue until the middle of May.—RF, GMA Integrated News