Children in Zamboanga evacuation centers get measles, other diseases

A few cases of children in Zamboanga City evacuation centers falling ill to infections have been noted as the confrontation between government forces and a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front continued. City health officer Rodelin Agbulos told the state-run Philippines News Agency that four cases of the measles were found at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Jr. Memorial Sports Complex. Agbulos also said that they noted other diseases such as upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and skin diseases. Such diseases can be attributed to poor hygiene and environmental sanitation. The Joaquin F. Enriquez Jr. Memorial Sports Complex presently accommodates 11,979 families or 71,265 people. As of Saturday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said at least 20,643 families or 111,162 people are staying in 57 evacuation centers. Health officials are trying to prevent the illnesses by improving the sanitation and cleanliness at the evacuation centers. Also, Agbulos said his office and the Department of Health, along with volunteer doctors, have also established clinics to check the evacuees' health. Additionally, children are being given vaccinations to protect them from the illnesses The National Association of Dermatologists, meanwhile, will send a group of doctors to examine the evacuees with skin diseases. — DVM, GMA News