VISAKHAPATNAM: With the mercury levels in the city shooting up, the authorities advised the citizens to take precautionary measures as the number of people suffering from fatigue are increasing every day.
Moreover, people suffering from flu-like symptoms should not delay and must immediately consult a doctor. Even as measures are being initiated by the district officials to curb heat wave related casualties, people must be well aware and must take the initiative to keep themselves safe.
According to records, most of the heat stroke cases are from rural areas as majority of them are daily wagers who work in the scorching heat. A few cases have been recorded from the urban areas too.
“The district is yet to register any deaths due to heat stroke this year so far. However, 389 people have been hospitalised owing to the sun stroke. Since heat strokes lead to dehydration, most of them are administered Intravenous fluid (IV fluids),” stated district epidemiologist L Kalyan Prasad.
He also added that a few cases of typhoid and other viral fevers are being reported of late.
“On an average, everyday there are a minimum of two-three people suffering from fatigue visit the hospital. Since auto regulation of temperature in the body fails to function, sun stroke might lead to organ failure too,” said KGH superintendent G Arjuna.
Meanwhile, the GVMC has undertaken the awareness campaign on the precautionary measures to keep the heat related casualties at bay.
“We are creating awareness in the city to enable people to take precautions and keep themselves hydrated during the summer days. The work timings for the GVMC staff have also been changed from 6-11 am to 5-10 am and from 2-5 pm to 2.30-5.30 pm. It is necessary for people doing manual work to be more careful as they are prone to sun strokes,” said Hemanth, GVMC chief medical officer.
Preventive measures
300 water kiosks set up at main junctions in the city
Within a week, water and butter milk kiosks in other areas to be set up by GVMC and NGOs
Awareness campaign launched on precautionary measures
Have complaints over summer woes?
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