DOH monitoring possible rise in hospital cases linked to haze

The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring the possible increase in hospitalizations and medical consultations linked to the haze affecting parts of Luzon and the Visayas from the wildfires in Indonesia.

On Wednesday, DOH Environmental and Occupational Health Division chief Dr. Gabriel Borlongan said there has been no reported increase in hospital admissions or consultations due to the haze so far.

“Sa ngayon po, nagmo-monitor pa rin po tayo pero wala pa pong nare-report po na naitatala na mas marami ang na-ospital, nagpapakonsulta, inuubo, o kaya lumalala ang hika,” he told GMA News’ Unang Balita in an interview.

(Right now, we are still monitoring but there are no reports yet of more people being hospitalized, seeking consultations, coughing, or worsening asthma.)

“Pero aantabayanan po namin yan dito sa DOH kasi gusto po natin mapaigting ang ating surveillance para tunay po nating makita kung ano po ba yung kalagayan ng ating mga mamamayan,” he added.

(But we will keep an eye on that here at the DOH because we want to intensify our surveillance so that we can truly see what the situation of our citizens is.)

The haze contains fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, which can enter the respiratory system and potentially reach the bloodstream, according to Borlongan.

Exposure may cause coughing, nose and throat irritation, difficulty breathing, and the worsening of asthma and other lung conditions, he said.

Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with existing respiratory or cardiovascular diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and a history of stroke are considered more vulnerable.

Borlongan advised people to reduce their exposure when air quality is poor.

Those who need to go outside are advised to use an N95 respirator or a similar mask. Double masking may also be considered if an N95 is not available.

The DOH is in with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as the agency is preparing an advisory for the public, employers, and institutions on measures to reduce exposure to the haze.

Borlongan said that as of the 6 a.m. monitoring by the DENR, air quality had generally improved in Metro Manila. But, some areas in Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, and Parañaque remained unhealthy for sensitive groups, he added. — RSJ, GMA News