ILOILO City – As the summer heat continues to scorch Iloilo City, health authorities are sounding the alarm after three fatalities due to heat stroke in just one week.
Between April 16 and 21, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) responded to eight heat stroke cases, six of which required hospitalization. Three of the victims were declared dead.
The City Health Office (CHO) has raised concerns about the dangerously high heat index levels, which have reached alarming peaks, placing the public at significant risk.
“We recorded dangerously high heat indices; the heat is unbearable, not only here in Iloilo but in other parts of the country as well,” said Darianne Joy Papa, Nurse II and Health Emergency Management Coordinator of the CHO.
The most severe incidents occurred on April 16, when the heat index soared to 47°C, followed by 44°C on April 19, 40°C on April 20, and 39°C on April 21.
The victims, ranging from a 10-year-old child to adults in their late 20s and senior citizens, demonstrate that heat stroke can strike individuals of all ages.
Health experts are urging the public to recognize the symptoms of heat stroke, including confusion, rapid heartbeat, nausea, flushed or dry skin, and a high body temperature. Prompt first aid is critical, as heat stroke can cause irreversible organ damage or even death if left untreated.
“This is preventable,” Papa emphasized, urging Ilonggos to take necessary precautions. The CHO recommends the following safety measures to prevent heat-related illnesses:
* Avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
* Drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty
* Use umbrellas, wear hats, and apply sunscreen if outside
* Choose light-colored, breathable clothing
* Schedule physical activities for early morning or late afternoon
In case of suspected heat stroke, move the person to a shaded area, loosen their clothing, apply cool water to their skin, and seek emergency assistance immediately.
Mayor Jerry Treñas has called for increased coordination between health and emergency offices to tackle the growing threat of extreme heat. He urged residents to take the heat seriously, particularly vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions./PN
