A STRONG warning has gone out for heat-related illnesses in Bahrain as the mercury continues to rise.
Typically, July and August are the hottest months of the year in the kingdom, with temperatures averaging around 40C this month, reaching 45C at times.
At 4pm yesterday, the temperature was 38C with apparent temperature – how hot it feels – logged in at 50C, and maximum humidity expected at around 90 per cent.
Extreme weather, attributed to climate change, has caused havoc across the planet, with record temperatures in China, the US, southern Europe and north Africa sparking forest fires, water shortages and a rise in heat-related hospital admissions.
The effects of rising temperatures and extreme heat result in numerous illnesses and deaths each year across the globe.
People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. Older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions are at high risk for heat-related illness and death.
To protect labourers working outdoors, Bahrain implements an annual summer work ban, making it illegal for labourers to work in the direct sun from noon to 4pm during July and August.
“Every summer, the temperature starts rising to dangerous levels,” said Dr Babu Ramachandran, a general physician at the American Mission Hospital (AMH) and Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) chairman.
“This is very dangerous especially for outdoor workers and can be detrimental, if not fatal.”
A heat stroke is a severe illness that occurs when the body’s temperature exceeds 40C due to it being unable to regulate its own temperature. It is a serious condition, and can cause permanent disability or death if not treated immediately.
Symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, hot skin, seizures, headaches, and rapid heartbeat.
“Make sure they get medical attention immediately and are sent to the ER,” said Dr Ramachandran.
However, according to Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH) internal medicine consultant Dr Muneebuddin Syed the number of heat-related illnesses in Bahrain seems to be low.
“We get only around three cases a year,” he told the GDN.
“Heat exhaustion, a milder form of the illness, is common during the summer but it is still important to ensure it does not worsen.
“It can be incredibly dangerous and could lead to kidney failure, liver failure, and brain issues.
“So it is absolutely crucial that you protect yourself in this weather,” he said.
Not everyone is susceptible to the illnesses equally, with some groups being more vulnerable than others, said occupational health and safety consultant Dr Maha Al Shehabi.
“Factors that come into play include age, occupation, nutrition and underlying illnesses. Children, especially overweight ones or those with other health problems, are vulnerable.
“The elderly and people with outdoor-based occupations, such as construction workers, fall in that category.
“June this year was also incredibly hot,” said Dr Al Shehabi, adding that the annual summer outdoor work ban should be extended.
“It may be time to include that month as well for the workers’ well-being.”
The ICRF runs an annual health safety awareness campaign during the summer, Thirst Quenchers, to educate the workers on the importance of staying hydrated and keeping cool.
“Drink plenty of water to replenish your electrolytes,” said Dr Ramachandran. “Wear loose clothing and do not work outdoors on a full stomach.”
Dr Syed suggested wearing light-coloured clothes, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and moving to a cold area in case the body temperature gets too high.
Dr Al Shehabi’s tips:
“Have a good sleep, have some water with you at all times, do not fill up on oily and greasy food then work outdoors, and do not overexert physically.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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