EXTREME HEAT CAUSE DISEASES ON PRISONS IN THE COUNTRY

For Thursday, April 4, a heat index of 42 to 43 degrees Celsius was forecast in seven parts of the country. The following locations will have this "danger category" heat indication, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa):

• Catarman, Northern Samar – 43°C
• Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 42°C
• Sangley Point, Cavite – 42°C
• Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Pili, Camarines Sur – 42°C
• Dumangas, Iloilo – 42°C
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 42°C
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 42°C

Hot weather affecting jails in the country (Photo courtesy of Jesse Bustos/Philippine Star)

As Pagasa previously stated, temperatures between 42 and 51 degrees Celsius are considered dangerous heat indices, which can lead to prolonged exposure, heat fatigue, and even heat stroke.

The extreme heat is a problem in some prisons in the country, according to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), some Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) are suffering from sore eyes and are already suffering from skin diseases.

Across the country, the congestion rate in city jails has reached 334%, and when it's overcrowded, it's easy to get infected. It is said that the BJMP method is already doing this, such as temporarily releasing the PDL cell, adding electric fans and drinking water frequently.

In order to manage potential water shortages, the agency has worked with local government entities and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), according to the director of the BJMP.

One of the diseases when the weather is hot is sore eyes, which is an eye infection, some symptoms are redness of the eye, pain and swelling of the lid, and discharge or “pagmumuta”. It can easily be passed to other people through direct contact.

The doctor's advice is to leave class or work so as not to get infected, and also not to self-medicate so that the sore eyes don't get worse. It is still important to consult a doctor.

Source: GMA News & Inquirer

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