A total of 190 cases of heat-related illnesses were reported in Taiwan from July 1-10, the highest number compared with the same period over the last four years, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare on Saturday.
The cases were a result of scorching temperatures reaching as high as 38 degrees Celsius in Taiwan in early July. Last year, there were 116 cases reported in the first 10 days of July, the ministry said.
There were also 287 cases and 659 cases of heat injuries reported in May and June, respectively, 40 percent and 60 percent higher than during the same months in 2019, the ministry told local media.
Areas reporting the most cases were Taichung (29), Changhua (21) and Kaohsiung (19), the ministry said.
Health Promotion Administration official Lo Su-ying warned that heat injuries do not necessarily occur outdoors. They can occur indoors if people are in hot, stuffy places with poor ventilation that allow heat to build up easily. Children and senior citizens are most vulnerable to heat-related injuries, Lo said, and she urged people to drink more water and avoid alcoholic and sweetened beverages.
If people get too hot and develop such symptoms as red and dry skin, rapid heartbeats, headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, they should get out of the environment they are in and cool themselves down as quickly as possible, Lo said. Cold water mixed with a little salt or electrolyte beverages can be taken, and medical attention should be sought as quickly as possible, she advised. (By CNA)
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