Palarong Pambansa 2024 held in Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC). Photo from the Department of Education 

CEBU CITY — Some 129 student-athletes in this year’s Palarong Pambansa have been rushed to the hospital since the games kicked off earlier this week, according to the director of the Cebu City Medical Center.

• Palarong Pambansa sa Cebu, umarangkada na 

Dr. Peter Mancao clarified that out of the number, only 23 were admitted. As of Friday, half were already discharged while others continue to recuperate. “Mostly, majority, fever and dengue suspects,” he said.

 Around 11 or 12 were manifesting symptoms of dengue.

Mancao believes that the dengue was contracted before the student-athletes left for Cebu considering that the incubation period for the infection takes three to four days before symptoms manifest.

• VP Sara Duterte a no show at Palarong Pambansa opening in Cebu

Athletes who were rushed to the hospital can still participate in the games, given that they are granted clearance by their delegation’s medical team.

Others who were admitted had injuries, but Mancao said these are all “manageable”. 

This included a nasal fracture, dislocations, sprain; among others.

They also logged athletes that experienced gastrointestinal problems, pneumonia and tonsillitis.

There was also one that fell ill from food poisoning. Mancao revealed that there are also two other delegates that experienced the same from Central Visayas, but did not want to be admitted.

• Cebu City to host the 2024 Palarong Pambansa

“[The food poisoning was] not from the billeting, [if it was] it would have [affected] everybody,” he said.

 The Cebu City Medical Center has set up a “Palaro Ward” which is a fast lane for all athletes and delegates of the Palarong Pambansa.

 With a few more days before the games close, Mancao reminds students and teachers to always put safety and cleanliness first.

RELATED VIDEO