KOTA BHARU, April 6: It’s not advisable to wear thick and tight clothing for outdoor activities because they will prevent heat from dissipating during the current hot spell affecting the country.
Kelantan Health Department (JKNK) director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said adverse heat conditions can cause dehydration (dryness), confusion and unconsciousness (coma) with several symptoms such as headache, dizziness, muscle weakness or cramps, nausea and vomiting.
“If you have these symptoms related to the hot temperature, you should immediately leave the hot spot, change your tight clothing, use a fan to cool the body, drink water every 15 minutes and seek help if the situation is not brought under control,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.
Dr Zaini said that among the groups at risk during the hot spell are individuals involved in physical activities outside such as labourers, farmers, sportsmen, soldiers and police personnel.
“Besides, adults (aged 40 years and above) have a 10-fold risk compared to those who are younger, as well as people with respiratory system diseases, high blood pressure, heart, diabetes and thyroid gland diseases.
“Among the ways to prevent or reduce the adverse effects on one’s health from the extreme heat is to drink plenty of water regardless of the level of physical activity done, limit one’s outdoor activities, rest often, take a bath or use a fan to cool down the body,” he said.
Yesterday, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) said one new death due to heat stroke was reported this week, bringing the number of heat-related deaths to two.
The first death involved a 22-year-old individual in Pahang on Feb 2 while the second victim involved a three-year-old boy in Kelantan who died on Monday.
— BERNAMA