Cold weather sees rise in scalds

Arron Nyamayaro

PARIRENYATWA Hospital communications officer, Linos Dhire, has advised people to take extra precautions when boiling water for bathing, especially during cold spells, saying they had admitted 40 people suffering from burns or scalds.

Out of the 40 patients, 21 are children.

Dhire said people should always check the water temperature and not to leave children unattended near hot water. 

“From May to date, we have had 40 burns patients, of which 19 are adults and 21 are children,” said Dhire.  

“The vast majority of the burns are from hot water. Among the children, 14 are males while seven are females. Among the adults, 10 are males while nine are females,” he said.

He said it’s also important to seek medical attention immediately if one suffers from burns or scalds, as prompt treatment can help to prevent further complications.