As Maha reports 2,649 heatstroke cases, govt issues list of preventive measures

Maharashtra has reported 2649 suspected cases of heatstroke and 12 deaths since March 1 this year data shared by the state governments public health department revealedThe data shared by the government on Tuesday said that all 12 deaths were reported in Raigad district Out of the total suspected cases this year the highest number of cases ndash 412 were also reported from the same districtBesides Raigad Wardha reported 334 suspected cases of heatstroke followed by Nagpur with 317 casesSo far Mumbai Suburban has reported 155 cases and zero deaths due to heatstroke this year Thane reported at least 153 suspected heatstroke cases in the past three and a half monthsIn Maharashtra every year from March 1 to July 31 measures are planned at various levels for the prevention and control of heat disorders The public health department carries out daily monitoring of different heatrelated illnesses ndash minor heatrelated illnesses include heat rash heat cramps dizziness and major heatrelated illness ndash such as dehydration and heat strokeldquoAs a preventive and control measures plan we have trained various level officials on heat strokeheat disorder surveys and reporting at the district level and heat stroke treatment rooms have been established in all district municipal and municipal health institutions for the management of heatrelated illnessesrdquo a public health officer from Maharashtra governmentMaharashtra generally experiences heat waves from March to May Districts in Vidarbha Marathwada North Maharashtra and some districts of Konkan region are mainly affected by the heat waveThe highrisk group who are affected due to heat stroke includes ndash persons aged 65 years and above children under 1 year and 1 to 5 years of age pregnant mothers people with diabetes heart diseases and alcoholics and persons working in extremely hot environmentsSymptoms of heatrelated Illnesses include ndash a small red itchy rash heat cramps painful lumps in frequently used muscles swelling of affected handsfeetjoints heat exhaustion overheating feeling tired and weak vomiting sweating thirst inability to perform daily activitiesPreventive measures listed by the state governmentAvoid doing hard work for a long time in rising temperaturesHard work should be done early in the morning or in the evening when the temperature is lowDo not wear heatabsorbing clothes black or bright colors Wear loose white clothesUse hydration drink plenty of waterAvoid working in the sun occasionally and rest in the shadeAs soon as symptoms of heatstroke start work in the sun should be stopped immediately and treatment should be startedGoggles cap towel feta and cover should be used while going out in the sun