DOH raises code white alert

MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Health (DOH) has raised code white alert in hospitals and medical facilities in Albay, warning residents in the province about health hazards as Mt. Mayon continues to send lava flow down its slopes.

Code white alert will ensure that medical personnel and the supply of medicines and laboratory equipment required to address the needs of those to be affected by the volcanic activity are ready, said Health Undersecretary Janette Garin.

“We have already raised code white alert there and are also closely coordinating with local government units,” Garin said at a press briefing.

Emergency service personnel, nurses and administrative staff residing at hospital dormitories shall also be placed on on-call status for immediate mobilization.

According to Garin, the DOH has also prepared enough supplies of nebulizers, Tetanus Toxoid and other medicines and medical equipment.

“We have already prepositioned everything we think the people will need in case of Mayon Volcano’s eruption,” Garin said.

Among the health hazards that could come with a volcanic eruption, said the DOH official, were asthma, skin diseases and pneumonia.

“We are more concerned with the very young and the very old people threatened by this impending calamity,” Garin said.

The DOH said volcanic ashfall eruptions could trigger complications in people with respiratory ailments. These people, it added, should stay inside evacuation centers and keep medicines on hand.

“Those with asthma, bronchitis and emphysema should take precautions. They might get attacks because ashfall, when inhaled, may cause breathing problems,” the DOH said.