Amid influx of evacuees: Cebu City braces for diseases

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City health board is on heightened alert amid the influx of evacuees from typhoon-affected areas who might bring diseases to the city.

“Ang concern sa board kaning mga tawhana (evacuees) when they come. We have to remember nga inside their body they might be bringing already or harboring possible diseases. Bisan unsaon nato pagpakaon, paghatag og shelter kun ang lawas masakiton so atimanon nato. Because of this, we have to prepare,” said Dr. Lucelle Mercado, chairwoman of Local Health Board.

Mercado said they are expecting a gradual increase in the number of evacuees from typhoon-devastated areas seeking refuge in Cebu.

Cebu is the nearest accessible island from Tacloban and Ormoc cities, Leyte and Eastern Samar.

“Ang board nag-anticipate sa kadaghan sa influx of evacuees mainly from Tacloban nga nag-expect of 2,500 refugees this week,” Mercado said.

She said she already talked with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama regarding the board’s meeting last Thursday about the matter before she left for Ormoc City yesterday to hand the city’s cash aid.

Mercado said Rama has asked Taiwanese doctors to check the evacuees at the gymnasiums of Cogon Ramos, Inayawan, Guadalupe, Sports Institute San Nicolas proper and Tinago.

“Si mayor ni-suggest nga ang 40 Taiwanese doctors nga volunteers imbes na ipadala sa north, sa city na sila usa moatiman sa mga evacuation center for one week,” Mercado said.

Since Friday, the Taiwanese doctors have been conducting checkup on typhoon victims for diseases, especially dysentery, diarrhea, titanus. They had also conducted vaccination.

Mercado said in order not to spread infectious diseases, they are monitoring and treating diseases at the evacuation level.

“At this point, at the level of our evacuation i-treat na daan, adto nato i-handle. Para di modako ang problema,” Mercado said.

She explained that the city needs foreign help, especially medical experts, considering that some health centers in Cebu were not operating following the powerful quake last month.

“We really need the help from foreign doctors and nurses. Nakaayo kaning mga volunteer doctors, saktong knowledge and ability, nagdala og equipment and medicine. Kay nagkinahanglan man gyod og ayuda ang mga barangay health centers and city health department,” Mercado said.

“Honestly wala’y enough supplies of medicines, that is why we need this medical foreign help,” she added.            

The government is bracing for diseases that typhoon victims most likely acquired.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said the Department of Health is in-charge of the matter.

“The DOH is now working on anticipated concerns like leptospirosis, stomachache, and bronchial diseases,” said Roxas. — With a report from Niña G. Sumacot/LPM (FREEMAN)