Four of the six people, who were hospitalized with heatstroke in public hospitals, were discharged on Friday, according to a new statement by the State Health Services Organisation, which notes that two more patients with heatstroke remain at the Limassol General Hospital, one of whom is intubated in the Intensive Care Unit.
CNA contacted the Director of Medical and Public Health Services, Dr. Elisavet Constantinou, who believes that if people become aware and take action, there may be no more cases.
According to Dr Constantinou, the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation in relation to the first cases of heatstroke recorded in Cyprus, and is issuing daily special recommendations within its remit.
She added that so far this year there have been a total of seven reported heatstroke cases in Cyprus, of which one is related to a 90-year-old man, who has passed away. She also noted that no incident has so far been reported in the private sector.
The Director of Medical Services assured that the Ministry of Health is on alert and that it is taking measures within its powers, while measures are being taken on the part of the Ambulance Service, the Civil Defence and the Ministry of Social Welfare.
She also said that instructions have been prepared and sent to nursing homes for the elderly, adding that instructions have also been given to the public on heat prevention and protection measures, while special attention and care was given with recommendations to vulnerable groups, the chronically ill and young children.
She pointed out that “no matter how high the temperatures are, if people are aware and take action, we may not have any incidents.”
Due to the high temperatures recorded in Cyprus, the Medical and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health remind the public to avoid frequent exposure to the sun, unnecessary movement and heavy physical exercise or physical work.
Particular attention, according to the recommendations, should be paid to vulnerable population groups such as infants, the elderly and pregnant women. According to the Medical Services, newborns are recommended to be lightly dressed and that instructions be sought from the paediatrician regarding fluid intake.
In addition, people suffering from chronic illnesses, such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, are advised to consult their doctor about any special measures they should take, and it is recommended to avoid using the oven and stove as much as possible to avoid further increasing the temperature of the house.
Heatstroke syndrome is manifested by a sudden increase in body temperature (over 40.5°C), red, warm and dry skin (sweating has stopped), dry swollen tongue, palpitations, tachypnoea, intense thirst, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, inability to orientate and speak clearly, aggressive or strange behaviour, convulsions and loss of consciousness or coma.
Source: Cyprus News Agency