122 individuals developed symptoms after being exposed to oil spill, says DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday that a total of 122 individuals so far had developed symptoms after exposure to the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro.

The oil spill was from the sunken ship MT Princess Empress, carrying 800,000 liters of industrialized fuel oil. Previously, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources warned that the oil spill may impact up to 21 locally managed marine protected areas.

READ: Oriental Mindoro oil spill reaches shore

According to DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a press forum, these individuals were affected through skin transmission or inhalation.

“One hundred twenty-two cases kung saan (where) most of these are coughs, colds, and headaches,” said Vergeire.

“Marami rin pong nahihilo, meron pong mga sumakit ang tiyan, nahirapan huminga, skin rashes, and na-aggravate ang kanilang asthma,” she added.

(Many felt dizzy, some had stomach aches, difficulty breathing, and skin rashes, and their asthma worsened.)

But Vergeire said all patients have recovered, with total hospital admissions remaining at one.

READ: Mindoro oil spill: DOH says one resident hospitalized for shortness of breath

“Ngayon po minamanage natin ‘yung mga nararamdaman nila, and what would be most important is maprevent natin further ‘yung mga sintomas na mangyayari sa ating komunidad,” said Vergeire.

(Now we are managing their symptoms, and what would be most important is that we can further prevent the symptoms that will happen in our community.)

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