2 Palaro athletes test positive for dengue

CEBU, Philippines — Two athletes for the Palarong Pambansa 2024 were rushed to the hospital and were confirmed to be positive with dengue, as disclosed by Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Peter Mancao.

But following the report of such cases, Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia assured on the preparedness of hospitals in the city in giving medical assistance during the Palarong Pambansa 2024.

In a press conference yesterday, July 8, 2024, Garcia said that the CCMC, as well as the private hospitals in the city are “very prepared” to cater to patients during the biggest sporting event in the country that is hosted by the city.

“Ma-dengue man, mapi-ang man, mabali man, we are very much prepared and so far as the CCMC is concerned. Pero ang mga private hospitals, I’m told by them since wala paman ko nakabisita, they are also very much prepared,” Garcia said.

“So, we are very much prepared for any eventuality when it comes to Palaro and God willing dile na mahitabo,” he added.

Garcia further said that during his visit at the CCMC, separate wards were enclosed and will be exclusively reserved for Palaro would-be patients, emphasizing that medical assistance for Cebu City constituents will not be affected by this measure.

Manaco confirmed yesterday in a phone interview that the two Palaro athletes tested positive with dengue last Friday, June 5, underscoring that both were already experiencing fever before they arrived in Cebu City last week.

“One thing in common is bag-o lang sila nangabot. Kining usa, nag-fever na daan before kuno na nanglakaw unya naabot diri,” Mancao said.

Mancao disclosed that one of the two athletes is from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) while the other one has yet to be verified. Both players experienced mild dengue symptoms.

Mancao added that although there were already two confirmed cases, there are currently no other suspected Palaro delegates positive with dengue.

When asked if these two athletes will be given a clearance to play for the Palaro, Mancao said that they must be fully recovered first.

On the other hand, Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) Administrative Officer Dr. Daisy Villa disclosed that one of the two patients was already discharged last June 7, while the other one is still confined but is in a stable condition.

According to Villa, the CCHD already conducted anti-dengue measures in the billeting areas, including monitoring, misting, as well as search and destroy operations in all the rooms.

Villa added that the CCHD will deploy a medical team, as well as doctors and nurses, who will be responsible to monitor thr sporting venues and billeting areas.

“Naay station kada asa ang duwa (ug) naa poy medical team naa didto. At the same time, atoang sanitary inspectors ug ubang doctor na wala maapil sa medical team or nurses, responsible (sic) nila ang school,” Villa said.

Health Advisory

Further, the Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development has issued an advisory for everyone’s safety in time for the Palarong Pambansa 2024.

The public is advised to be vigilant and take proactive measures to follow health precautions.

For weather protection, it is advisable to carry essential weather gear such as umbrellas, hats, fans, raincoats, and sunscreen to shield oneself from rain or excessive sun exposure.

On food and water safety, delegates are advised to select fresh and properly cooked food and drinks to mitigate the risk of food and water-borne illnesses.

Players and guests are asked to refrain from purchasing food and drinks from unknown sources.

Aside from that, DepEd organizers also advised participants to drink only filtered or distilled water and not directly from faucets.

Along with this, delegates, especially the athletes are advised to stay hydrated by bringing ample potable water and other fluids to sustain oneself throughout the event.

With the unpredictable weather, it is advised to wear comfortable clothing, and to bring towels and extra clothing.

Regular sanitization of one’s hands with alcohol-based sanitizer or washing hands with soap and water is also strongly advised.

Aside from that, practicing healthy habits like eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, and moving fit and right and take supplement with vitamins and minerals should be practiced, while those who are unwell are advised to just stay home and limit exposure to crowded places, especially children, senior citizens and individuals with underlying health conditions.

In case of flooding due to heavy rains, authorities are asking the public to avoid wading in flood waters to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water.

For emergencies or further health inquiries, one may contact the 24/7 DOH Central Visayas Emergency Healthline, Regional Emergency Operations Center by dialing #0711 (for Globe and TM subscribers),or using the alternative contact numbers provided: Globe: 0945 157 6004/ 0967 221 9120, Smart: 0943 568 3298, Telephone (032) 260-9740 loc 103 and 113. (CEBU NEWS)