Govt set for Games health crisis

 HEALTH authorities in Port Moresby are prepared to deal with any disease outbreak during the Pacific Games, according to the Disease Surveillance and Emergency Unit.

Berry Ropa, the unit’s programme officer, said they would be monitoring parts of the city and Jackson International Airport as a precautionary measure.

“Clinics and the hospital have been urged to report any suspicious cases of patients suffering from symptoms so that we can quickly attend and conduct assessments,” Ropa said.

Ropa said events such as the Pacific Games usually resulted in overcrowding, increasing the chances of diseases such as dysentery and typhoid. 

He advised athletes and the public to watch what they consume in the city.

“There are 12 officers from the unit stationed at the Games Village and around the city doing surveillance,” Ropa said. 

He thanked Eda Ranu for providing sufficient water to the Games Village as the city is experiencing dry spells.

Ropa is encouraging athletes to drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration.