UAE | Health

Hospital records 123 heat-related incidences

July proved to be a hot month for the UAE this year with 123 heat-related medical cases recorded so far at the Trauma Centre alone, up from 16 last year.

  • By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:04 August 1, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • A family enjoys a swim at a beach on Thursday. Doctors have warned people engaged in outdoor activities not to ignore precautions such as intake of adequate liquids and using electrolyte powders to improve hydration.
  • Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News

Dubai: July proved to be a hot month for the UAE this year with 123 heat-related medical cases recorded so far at the Trauma Centre alone, up from 16 last year.

The figure translates to an almost 700 per cent increase in heat-related cases for July. Temperatures in July have been about four degrees higher than average, with humidity fluctuating between 15 to 80 per cent.

Most of the cases were minor, while 42 cases were major. One death was reported, out of the two heat stroke cases received in mid-July. The other patient has been admitted to the hospital.

The highest number of cases, 15, came on July 14. On that day, temperatures reached 46C, and in some places hitting a high of 52C.

Dr Salvin George, specialist registrar at the Trauma Centre, told Gulf News Dubai has seen an increase in heat-related medical cases this year due to a number of reasons.

"It's not just that temperatures have climbed ... but the number of construction workers in Dubai has also increased. We also noticed that many of the cases are newly-arrived in the UAE so they haven't acclimatised to the weather," he said.

Violations

At least five cases were brought in between 12.30pm and 3pm, the period which is a government-mandated mid-day break effective for the months of July and August.

Three of the workers, who were brought in on July 1 and July 13, told hospital staff they had been working in the sun during the midday-break hours.

However, the bulk of the cases came in the evenings.

Dr George said the mid-day break did not mean there was no longer a risk of getting heat exhaustion.

"Humidity rises in the evening," which can interfere with the body's cooling process, he said.

He does not expect the trend of heat-related cases to decrease in August, renewing his call for people to be sensible.

"August will be equally hot, if not hotter. As long as temperatures are high, people must take precautions," he said.

"They should improve hydration and have short breaks. Electrolyte powders (to improve hydration) should also be given to workers," he added.

He also called on the authorities and companies to extend the mid-day break to the fasting month of Ramadan, which is expected to start on September 1.

The average temperature for September is forecast at 38C.

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