The North West MEC for Health, Dr Magome Masike is disturbed by the unfortunate passing of 9 people who died due to heatstroke in the Province. The nine died at Mahikeng Provincial Hospital. On the 7th January 2016 according to the hospital report, 5 people were dead on arrival, 3 died in casualty and 1 died today. All these patients were referred from various facilities in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.
The status report today is that there is a total of 16 patients admitted and under care at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital. Three are in causality.
The MEC Dr Magome Masike is urging communities and individuals to take preventative measures.
"Our health promoters are on the ground spreading preventative and awareness messages. Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder.
"It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given," warned MEC Masike.
Symptoms of heat stroke include hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, hallucinations, chills, throbbing headache, high body temperature, confusion/dizziness and slurred speech.
People are urged to ensure that they are all the time under cool shaded areas and take more liquids especially water to prevent dehydration.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
