More quake evacuees falling ill

Local

DUE to crowded tents and unstable weather are worsening conditions, more evacuees in northern Cebu are falling ill with respiratory infections weeks after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Survivors are also struggling with persistent psychological trauma.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded cases of acute respiratory infections in Borbon and Sogod, while residents in Daanbantayan and Tabuelan reported wounds and unexplained fevers, highlighting the growing health challenges in evacuation sites.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal said the spread of illness is aggravated by cramped shelters and sudden temperature changes.

The health office has already sent three waves of vitamins and medicines since Monday to Bogo City, San Remigio, Medellin, Borbon, Sogod, Tabuelan, and Tabogon.

Earlier, in Bogo City, where more than 34,000 families remain displaced, the City Health Office reported a steady rise in respiratory illnesses among families forced to live outdoors.

Assistant City Health Officer Dr. Shiela Faciol said medical teams visit barangays daily, each attending to 80 to 100 patients, while the main office serves 50 to 80 walk-ins per day.

Most of the patients are children and elderly evacuees suffering from coughs, colds, and fevers.

Faciol said the extreme heat during the day and the cold at night worsen respiratory infections.

Despite the conditions, she confirmed that no cases of diarrhea or food poisoning have been recorded.

Donations from private groups and other local governments continue to provide medicine and vitamins.

Arsenal advised evacuees to avoid unnecessary movement between tents to prevent the spread of infection.

She noted that such illnesses commonly emerge during calamities when resources are scarce and living conditions are poor. She added that the alternating heat during the day and heavy rain at night have worsened the situation.

Health teams in northern Cebu confirmed that more evacuees outside Bogo are developing respiratory infections. Many families remain in makeshift shelters, exposed to alternating heat and rain.

Arsenal said these illnesses are spreading fast due to the close contact among evacuees and lack of proper ventilation.

She said the PHO continues to send medical assistance to prevent further outbreaks.

Alongside the spread of respiratory infections, officials said mental health remains a major challenge in northern Cebu’s recovery.

Arsenal urged the public to show compassion and patience toward quake survivors.

“Dili ta mo add og more stress sa ilahang situation kay even maghatag lang ta og negative comment its additional stress sa ila,” she said.

In Medellin, Barangay Captain Monina Monato confirmed that a family of 12 rescued on October 8 after a traumatic ordeal is now in stable condition and “okay now” after receiving medication.

The group, which included a pregnant woman and a child, had refused food and water for several days following the quake.

To meet the growing psychological needs, 90 specialists have been deployed to provide psychological first aid, education for victims, and debriefing for responders.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro formed the Kumbati Cebu Task Force through Executive Order No. 60 to lead rehabilitation in 12 quake-hit localities: Bogo City, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Tabogon, Sogod, Catmon, Tabuelan, Borbon, Santa Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos.(MyTVCebu)