To reduce the health impacts of extreme heat, district-level health officials have been directed to train workers to recognise factors that may increase the risk of developing a heat-related illness and the signs and symptoms of heat stress.
In a list of dos and don’ts, the Maharashtra health department’s latest advisories this summer instructs citizens to familiarise themselves with symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms.
Dr Radhakrishna Pawar, joint director of Health (Maharashtra), told The Indian Express it was essential to keep a close watch on children and elderly people in the family as they were more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
The health department has advised people to stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting clothes in breathable cotton fabric. It also advised people to drink sufficient water whenever possible even if one doesn’t feel thirsty, as thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
Other advisories include carrying drinking water when traveling and using oral rehydration solution (ORS), and consuming homemade drinks like lemon water, buttermilk/lassi, fruit juices with some added salt. It has also advised limiting outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day and paying attention to local weather forecasts. Citizens have been instructed to cover their heads with an umbrella, hat, cap, towel and other traditional headgear to prevent direct exposure to sunlight and keep homes cool by using curtains, shutters or sunshade. Another tip is to keep windows open at night.
Over 3,000 had heat-related illnesses in 2023
Pune and Raigad reported the highest number of cases of people with heat-related illnesses in the state last year, according to data from the state health department.
Between March 1 to July 31, 2023, 3,191 people suffered from heat-related illnesses while 22 deaths were confirmed due to heat stroke.
Among the incidents of heat-related illnesses, Raigad reported 412 cases followed by 409 in Pune, 340 in Wardha, 362 in Nagpur, 220 in Nandurbar, 198 in Chandrapur, 190 in Latur, 156 in Thane, and 155 in Mumbai. Of the 22 heat stroke deaths, 12 were from Raigad while eight were from Palghar and one each from two other districts. In 2022 there were 797 cases of heat-related illnesses in Maharashtra and 18 confirmed heat stroke deaths.
In 2024, a total of 13 heat stroke cases were reported in Maharashtra between March 1 and March 20, Four cases were reported in Beed, two in Raigad and one each in Ahmednagar, Akola, Amravati, Satara, Bhandara, Chandrapur, and Dhule. No deaths were reported so far.
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