Robin Muchetu
DON’T let the scorching sun knock you down!
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has sounded a warning over extreme heat, urging people to take precautions as high temperatures put lives at risk.
The Ministry says prolonged exposure to the sun, coupled with strenuous physical activity, can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even deadly heatstroke.
And with the 2026/ 2027 seasonal climate outlook pointing to warmer-than-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall, the danger could increase.
“The 2026/ 2027 seasonal climate outlook indicates the likelihood of below-normal rainfall and warmer-than-normal temperatures associated with El Niño conditions, potentially increasing heat exposure and water stress,” read the advisory.
The public has been urged to look out for warning signs of heat exhaustion, which include heavy sweating, intense thirst, headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps.
If someone shows these signs, move them to a cool place, loosen their clothing and cool their body with water and fanning.
Give them drinking water only if they are fully alert and can swallow safely.
But the biggest danger is heatstroke!
The Ministry says this is a medical emergency that can turn fatal. Signs include confusion, unusual behaviour, seizures, collapse or loss of consciousness. The skin may be hot and dry or sweaty.
Don’t wait for all the symptoms to appear!
If heatstroke is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately. Move the person to a cool, shaded or well-ventilated place, remove excess clothing and start cooling them rapidly using cold water, wet cloths and fanning.
Cold-water immersion may also be used where feasible and safe.
The Ministry warns against giving fluids to anyone who is confused, unconscious or unable to swallow safely. Paracetamol and aspirin must not be used to treat heatstroke.
Children, elderly people, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, persons with disabilities and outdoor workers are among those most at risk.
Farmers, construction workers and vendors have also been urged to take extra care.
The Ministry says people should drink safe water regularly throughout the day, even when they are not thirsty.
They should also avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours, generally from late morning to mid-afternoon, and spend more time in shaded or well-ventilated places.
Those working outdoors should take regular breaks, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use hats or umbrellas for protection.
Parents and caregivers have been warned never to leave children unattended in parked vehicles. Employers have also been urged to provide workers with drinking water, shaded resting places and regular breaks.
The Ministry has called on schools, local authorities, community leaders, employers, health workers and the media to spread the warning and help prevent heat-related illnesses.
The public has also been urged to follow weather updates and official health advisories.
