DOH warns heat can kill 7 dead since January
While scorching weather has been the norm recently, the Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public that prolonged exposure to dangerous levels of heat can kill.
Based on the latest data, the DOH has recorded 77 cases of heat-related illnesses from Jan. 1 to April 29, with 67 of them between the ages of 12 and 21, or the age group of students.
Of the total, seven were reported to have died, but the DOH clarified that it was “not conclusive yet if these had been caused by heatstroke due to insufficient data.”
The deaths may have been caused by heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke, or “heat-influenced,” such as those with underlying heart conditions worsened by the hot environment, resulting in high blood pressure.
Thousands of schools and local government units have suspended in-person classes or work as the heat index has soared in many areas nationwide.
The heat index measures the discomfort that the average person experiences due to temperature and humidity, as opposed to simple temperature readings of how cold or hot the air is.
According to the DOH, the public should treat heat indices ranging from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius with “extreme caution,” while 42 C to 51 C was considered “dangerous.”
“Such temperatures can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, vomiting, and light-headedness,” the DOH said.
Children dip on a inflatable in Blumentritt, Manila amid searing heat due to El Nino.
INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES
Deadly if untreated
“Prolonged heat exposure increases the probability of heatstroke, a serious condition characterized by loss of consciousness, confusion, or seizures, which can be deadly if left untreated,” it added.
Based on the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), some 30 places in the country, including Metro Manila, may experience dangerous levels of heat index, ranging from 42 C to 47 C on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
Dagupan, Pangasinan and Aparri, Cagayan, were expected to feel the 47 C of heat index on both days.
The weather bureau warned that different areas of the country could expect dangerous and extreme levels of heat (above 51 C) until the second week of May.
Pagasa said the intense heat was due to the warm and dry season, exacerbated by the weakening effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
So far, the highest recorded heat index this year stood at 53 C in Iba, Zambales, on April 28—approaching the record of 60 C in Casiguran, Aurora, on Aug. 14, 2023.
On the other hand, the highest heat index in Metro Manila was logged at 46 C in Pasay City on April 24.
First aid measures
Should any symptom of any health-related illness be observed, the DOH advised the public to use the following first aid measures:
• Move the person to a shaded, cool area and provide ventilation.
• Remove the person’s outer clothing.
• Apply cold compresses, ice packs, cold water, or cold wet cloth against the skin, especially the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles and groin.
• If the patient is conscious, encourage frequent slow sips of cool water.
• Contact emergency services or bring the person to the hospital immediately.
The DOH also urged the public to regularly monitor reports from the weather bureau, and take preventive measures including drinking plenty of water; avoiding the consumption of iced tea, soda, coffee, or alcoholic drinks; limiting time spent outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; using protection against sunburn such as hats, umbrellas and sunblock; and wearing loose-fitting and lightweight clothing. INQ
