Elderly, children at higher risk of heat stroke

While anyone exposed to an extremely hot environment is at risk of heat stroke, the elderly, children and those with chronic diseases are at higher risk, said a public health expert.

Dr Norlen Ahmad said this includes those suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

"The elderly are more at risk because they usually have various diseases that make them more sensitive and their mechanism of sweat production or body temperature control is no longer efficient," the Health Ministry physician said on Bernama Radio’s ‘Jendela Fikir’ programme today.

According to Norlen, heat stroke is a medical emergency that can happen quickly and immediate steps must be taken to reduce body temperature to prevent the victim from experiencing more serious conditions, such as brain function failure, convulsions and also death.

She said among the immediate steps that can be taken is to place a wet towel on the victim's head, underarms, thighs and neck in addition to moving the victim to a cooler and dim place.

“Placing a wet towel on those parts of the body will speed up the process of heat transfer in the body and further reduce the body temperature," she explained.

Norlen advised the public to reduce physical activity in hot areas, drink more water, wear loose and thin clothes and monitor the health of family members at risk.

Last week an 11-year-old boy from Kampung Perupok, Bachok Kelantan, died at Balai Health Clinic, Bachok, due to heat stroke and dehydration.

The Meteorology Department has issued a warning for some areas in the peninsula and Sabah for Level 1 hot weather alert with maximum temperatures of up to 35 and 37 degrees Celsius.

The situation is expected to improve in a few days.

- Bernama