Almost 4,000 Taal evacuees fall ill: DOH

January 22, 2020

Nearly 4,000 have fallen ill in different evacuation centers in Batangas and Cavite, according to the Department of Health (DOH) Wednesday.

Speaking at a media forum, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said they  recorded a total of 3,773 cases of common illnesses and minor injuries among evacuees. 

"As of yesterday, we recorded 3,773 cases of common illneses for which consultations were sought," said Duque. 

He said most cases are common respiratory illnesses, hypertension, diarrhea, minor injuries, eye irritation, and skin diseases. 

"These are not surprising considering the congestion in evacuation centers and the harmful effects of the eruption of Taal Volcano," said Duque. 

Duque said government health personnel and the Philippine Red Cross are looking after them.  

"There have been clustering of cases but they were already controlled," he said. 

Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed there are a total of 71,717 families or 282,021 individuals affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

Of this number, a total of 39,052 families or 148,987 persons in 493 evacuation centers. DMS