USM, KUBANG KERIAN, KELANTAN, 26 April 2023 – Heat stroke is a serious heat-related illness due to prolonged exposure to the sun, resulting in the inability of the body to sweat enough and stabilise its temperature. It occurs when the body temperature increases rapidly to 40°C (Celsius) and beyond. Heat stroke can occur gradually or almost immediately. 

Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, can be caused by various factors such as geographical and weather conditions, and activities of the local community. The risk of a heat stroke is high when the surrounding temperature of a person exceeds 39.2°C.

According to a Medical Lecturer from the Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences (PPSP), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Associate Professor Dr. Nik Rosmawati Nik Husain, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) 2023 report, the heatwave phenomenon that continuously swept Europe in mid-2022 had resulted in more than 20,000 deaths due to heat stroke. 

“Meanwhile in Malaysia, 200 heat-related cases have been reported and among them, 22 are cases of heat stroke. Therefore, proactive measures need to be taken to avoid such heat-related illnesses from occurring.

“The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) too has reported that heatwaves and dry conditions are sweeping the country due to the shift in the monsoon winds and which are expected to continue until July 2023, and which is also affecting other Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, China, India and Bangladesh,” she said.

Nik Rosmawati further continued, individuals who are involved in activities or work in high-temperature environments have been identified as having a high risk of getting heat stroke, such as those who work in the construction industry, farmers, security guards, police officers, military personnel, firefighters, operators of heat-releasing machinery, athletes and those involved in other outdoor activities held on a hot day. 

“Aside from that, other groups that have been identified who are susceptible to getting heat stroke are senior citizens, children and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses.

“Heat stroke should not be taken lightly as it could lead to serious complications. Based on an article by Bouchama et al. (2022), short-term effects resulting from sudden exposure to hot weather conditions could lead to cellular injuries, inflammation, fatal blood clots and bleeding of major organs.

“A heat stroke victim could also have long-term effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems and the risk of death,” she further said.

Added Nik Rosmawati, the public needs to be aware of signs and symptoms of heat stroke so that immediate actions could be taken.

“Among the symptoms of an individual getting a heat stroke is the heart beats faster (normal heartbeat: 60-100/minute), shallow and rapid breathing (normal breathing rate: 12-20/minute), the body feels hot and dry, throbbing headache, feeling dizzy and lightheaded, nausea, body temperature rising quickly up to 40°C or more (normal body temperature: 36.5°C to 37.5°C), low blood pressure (normal blood pressure: 120-140/60-80 mmHg) and loss of consciousness, fainting or seizures.

“The public is also advised to be aware of the necessary preventive steps to avoid getting a heat stroke, such as to avoid doing activities directly under the sun or in high temperatures for prolonged periods; to avoid doing physical activities when one is exhausted, hungry or extremely thirsty; to be well-hydrated by taking three (3) to four (4) litres of water daily; to eat balanced and healthy meals; to wear loose and light clothing with proper protection from the heat, by wearing a hat or using an umbrella; not to leave anyone in a vehicle parked under direct sunlight and to ensure that there is adequate ventilation or air-conditioning while at home or within the premise,” she reminded.

She also advised the public to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital or clinic if there are early symptoms of a heat-related illness.

“Please continue to get the latest weather updates from METMalaysia and relevant health reminders from the Malaysian Health Ministry (KKM).

“Do reduce or avoid from doing any outdoor activity or exercising in the hot sun,” she also urged.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin