Zimbabwe unusual hot weather a threat to human health
By Memory Mudzani
Zimbabwe is experiencing unusually hot weather conditions known as heatwaves, which environmental experts are attributing to Climate Change.
World Health Organization (WHO) define heatwave as an extended period of excessively hot weather ,heatwaves , which lasts for several days and can have a significant impact on communities, including a rise in heat-related deaths.
World Health Organization includes heatwaves among the world’s most dangerous natural hazards, but it gets little media attention because deaths and destruction from its impact are not always immediately obvious ,from 1998-2017, it says over 166,000 people are recorded to have died globally due to heatwaves.
The Zimbabwe national Meteorological Services Department routinely warns people about the dangers of extreme heat on health especially when temperatures rise above the mid-30-degree Celsius range , there are no readily available statistics on its impact.
According to information recorded by Zimfact , health authorities said that there are cases of heat-induced fever in areas that suffer heatwaves in Zimbabwe amid rising temperatures being recorded globally as a result of Climate Change.
During this period of extremely hot weather conditions people are advised to stay in shaded areas or indoors to limit direct exposure to the sun.
Zimfact also noted that people must stay hydrated, drink plenty of water regardless of their activity level, without waiting to feel thirsty and they are also advised to keep their living area cool especially for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or those who can’t look after themselves.
Everyone is advised to consider ways to protect themselves from direct sunlight for example by staying in shade, wearing shades, wearing a sunhat, and applying sunscreen when working or playing outdoors.
when one fails to regulate the temperature of the body it will result in people suffering from Heat rush ,Small, itchy blisters appear on the face, neck, upper chest, under breast, groin, and scrotum areas ,this can affect any age but is prevalent in young children.
Heat waves may result in heat Cramps, heat exhaustion, hat stroke and heat syncope
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