77 cases of heat-related illness – DOH
MANILA, Philippines — As high heat indices continue to affect different areas in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 77 cases of heat-related illness this year.
“According to the DOH Event-based Surveillance and Response System, the cases were reported from Jan. 1 to April 29,” said the DOH in a statement.
Among these cases, 67 were noted to have affected the age range of 12 to 21 years old. Of these, seven were reported deaths.
“Deaths may be heat-related illnesses (including heat stroke) or heat-influenced (e.g. underlying high risk for heart attack, precipitated by hot environment that led to elevated blood pressure),” DOH pointed out.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, the DOH is continuously reminding the public to drink enough water, wear loose and light clothing, limit outdoor exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and use sunblock, umbrella and cap.
For those experiencing symptoms of heat-related illnesses, the DOH advised them to rest in shaded areas, use cold compresses to help cool down the body temperature and seek immediate medical treatment.
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