Flash Flood Victims In Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi Start Complaining Cough, Flu And Itching

Pharmacists at the health post arrange medicines after serving victims of a flash flood in Torue Village, Parigi Moutong Regency/Via ANTARA

PARIGI MOUTONG - The Parigi Moutong District Health Office, Central Sulawesi said acute respiratory infections (ARI) and skin diseases began to be felt by victims of the flash flood in Torue Village.

"Emergency situations like this are vulnerable to infectious diseases that are influenced by a number of factors, one of which is environmental factors," said Head of the Parigi Moutong Health Service, Ellen Ludya Nelwan when met in Torue, Parigi Moutong, quoted from Antara, Monday, August 1.

He explained that from the health check services carried out by his party, many residents complained of coughs, flu and itching, so the treatment is currently taking antibiotics.

It was noted that today residents carried out inspections at six health post points of approximately 261 people with various complaints of diseases, but the prominent ones were ARI and skin diseases.

According to him, the lack of clean water supply in the refugee camps can trigger skin diseases, as well as dusty environmental conditions from the remnants of mud material which has the potential to cause ARI.

Therefore, residents are advised residents to use masks so that the nose is protected from exposure to flying dust.

"The availability of medicines is quite adequate. We also received assistance in supplying medicines from the Central Sulawesi Health Office, with this addition our pharmacy is getting stronger," said Ellen.

He asked that if residents feel symptoms of illness, they should immediately check their health at the existing posts, so that it doesn't get worse.

At the health post, he said, the Health Office was also strengthened by 125 medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists, including other supporting staff.

"Supporting facilities and infrastructure are also quite adequate so that they are very helpful for health service activities at the post. The health post will operate until the end of the emergency response on August 11, 2022," said Elen.