Over 250 students down after chemical exposure in Antique

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An inter-agency investigation is ongoing to determine the source and nature of the chemical exposure

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – More than 250 students were hospitalized on Wednesday, July 2, after inhaling a foul-smelling chemical in Sibalom town, Antique province, overwhelming healthcare facilities and prompting school closures.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said elementary and high school students from Barangay Pis-anan began falling ill around 8 am.

Symptoms reported included headaches, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases, loss of consciousness.

Initial findings by the PDRRMO pointed to a strong chemical odor believed to have originated from insecticide sprayed near the school.

“The chemical odor is believed to have drifted into the school grounds and classrooms, exposing students and staff,” the PDRRMO said in a situation report released Wednesday afternoon.

An inter-agency investigation led by toxicologists and officials from the Department of Health-Western Visayas is ongoing to determine the source and nature of the chemical exposure.

Health authorities said laboratory test results to identify the chemical are expected in over a week.

Classes at Pis-anan Elementary School and Pis-anan National High School were suspended following the incident.

On Thursday, July 3, officials told a news conference that 268 students were taken to the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH) in San Jose de Buenavista and Ramon Maza Sr. Memorial District Hospital (RMSMDH) in Sibalom for treatment.

As of 8 am Thursday, ASMGH had admitted seven of the 96 patients it received, while 89 were treated as outpatients. RMSMDH received 71 patients, including seven outpatients. A total of 94 patients from both hospitals had been discharged.

A triage center was established at the Barangay Pis-anan gymnasium to assess and stabilize patients before hospital admission.

Officials said most of the affected students are aged between seven and 18.

While all patients were in stable condition, some remained under observation and were expected to be discharged on Thursday afternoon.

PDRRMO chief Broderick Train described the situation at RMSMDH as “overwhelming,” citing the unexpected influx of patients late Wednesday evening.

He said some discharged patients later returned due to further complications.

The provincial government responded by sending more beds and electric fans because of the number of patients.

Temporary tents were also set up outside ASMGH’s emergency room on Wednesday night.

Antique Governor Paolo Javier appealed to the DOH for more medical personnel.

“RMSMDH is in full capacity and patients are now forwarded to ASMGH. Both hospitals are now on high alert in responding and receiving patients,” he wrote.

Local governments in Antique deployed more medical personnel and equipment. 

The municipal government of Sibalom suspended classes in the affected schools in Barangay Pis-anan, as well as nine other elementary schools in the town from July 3 to July 4.

The Sibalom health office advised residents of Barangay Pis-anan to wear face masks indoors and outdoors to prevent further exposure to the lingering odor. – Rappler.com