Heatwave alert for Gauteng as temperatures are set to soar

City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) released a heatwave alert last week.

District manager media liaison, William Ntladi, urged society to prepare for a possible heatwave.

“Some places can be hit for a prolonged and persistent period. Abnormal hot weather has serious health risks to people, plants and animals.

The district manager said main health risks caused by a heatwave are dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“The first precaution is not to wait until you are thirsty to start drinking water. By then, you are already becoming dehydrated and putting yourself at risk.”

Ntladi shared symptoms and treatments of heat-related health problems.

“The most common early signs of dehydration include having a dry mouth and being thirsty.

“Other warning signs are dry skin, sleepiness, decreased urination, muscle weakness, fatigue and headaches.”

The DEMS official said treatment of dehydration includes drinking plenty of water, resting under the shade and dressing lightly with brighter colours.

“Anyone suffering from dehydration must avoid carbonated drinks.”

Ntladi said they should also buy an oral rehydration solution to drink, which they can get from any pharmacy.

“Keep checking how they’re feeling. If they still feel unwell after rehydrating then encourage them to see a doctor immediately.”

Another health risk from high temperatures is heat exhaustion.

“It’s one of three heat-related syndromes, the first being heat cramps, the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe. The symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, as a result of the body overheating,” said Ntladi.

Treatment of heat exhaustion is getting out of the heated environment and going in an air-conditioned room or shady place according to Ntladi.

“A person with heat exhaustion must drink plenty of fluids, especially sports drinks to replace lost salt. They must avoid caffeine and alcoholic drinks.”

The media liaison manager said removing any tight or unnecessary clothing can help.

“Take a cool shower or bath and apply other cooling measures such as fans and towels.”

Ntladi said if such measures fail within 15 minutes, emergency medical interventions must be sought.

“Untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. The most severe syndrome is heat stroke which results in a body temperature with more than 40 degrees.

“Signs and symptoms of heat stroke are dizziness or lightheadedness, seizures or coma, nausea and vomiting, flushed and reddened skin, slurred speech, agitation, disorientation, fever and unconsciousness,” said Ntladi.

Heat stroke requires prompt medical intervention.

It is a serious medical condition that can lead to organ failure and even death, according to the DEMS official.

“Treatment of heat stroke is prompt cooling like cold water immersion.

“This should bring the core body temperature and brain back to normality within an hour.”

Most people love the hot weather, though it can have detrimental effects. It is important to take cautionary measures during heatwaves.