DoH reminds on health risks as Iloilo City hits highest heat index in 9 years

ILOILO CITY recorded its highest heat index since 2010 at 48°C last May 2, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) reported based on its local weather monitoring station. Heat index, as defined by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), indicates the human discomfort level with the “apparent” temperature that the body feels. CDRRMO operations and warning officer Darwin Joemil G. Papa said the 48°C level lasted for about 25 minutes starting as 2:26 p.m. Meanwhile, the Department of Health-Western Visayas (DOH-6) cautioned the public of the health risks arising from the high temperature. DOH-6 Infectious and Emerging Disease Cluster head Elvie P. Villalobos said, “Common diseases that can be experienced because of extreme heat are sunburn, heat stroke, and diarrhea,” as well as skin infections. “The construction workers are high risk especially on heat stroke, that is why they need to drink 3 to 4 liters of water and maintain healthy diet,” he said. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo