Health Ministry issues warning as temperatures rise

SWELTERING temperatures yesterday prompted the Health Ministry to issue an information bulletin to warn people on the dangers of the heat.

Fearing another heat-wave like that which killed some 70 people last summer, the bulletin said there was considerable danger of heat exhaustion, sunstroke and severe sunburn during the searing months of July and August.

“Heat exhaustion is usually indicated by weakness, paleness, cool skin, listlessness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, cramps in the legs and stomach, fast breathing, speeding pulse and possibly fainting.”

Sunstroke is caused by high temperatures and humidity, the announcement said, and should be treated by a doctor immediately.

Symptoms are headaches, dizziness, excitement, a fever of 40 degrees or more, listlessness, breathing difficulties, confusion fainting and falling into a coma.

Both conditions can be treated by taking the sufferer to a cool environment and combatting dehydration by replacing lost water and salt, giving the victim a glass of cold water with three teaspoons of salt or a chilled clear soft-drink.

Sunstroke victims should be taken to a doctor while their clothes are removed and they are wrapped in a wet sheet and fanned with cold air. These attempts should aim at bringing the sufferer’s temperature down to 38 degrees Celsius but no lower.

Children, the elderly and people who are not used to working in a warm and humid environment are particularly vulnerable.

People suffering from heart conditions, diabetes, kidney illnesses and breathing difficulties are also at risk.

The Health Ministry announcement said that the best prevention against heat exhaustion and sunstroke was avoiding extended exposure to the sun, limiting movement and heavy physical exercise, avoiding alcohol and heavy foods. Hot baths should also be avoided.

Hats and loose clothes should be worn and air-conditioners and fans used. Salt and water should be consumed to replace those lost through sweating and light foods preferred.

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