Date:02/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/02/stories/2007050216670100.htm

Front Page

Sunstroke cases on the rise

G.V.R. Subba Rao

However, no casualties have been reported so far

Advisable to wear white caps, umbrellas and consume lot of fluids rich in salt content

2,000 ORS sachets, essential medicines dispatched to 22 urban health centres

VIJAYAWADA: As a result of the sudden rise in mercury levels, as many as 20 sunstroke cases have been reported in the city. Most of the victims suffered from high temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

Women, children and the aged are apparently the worst hit. On an average, two cases of sunstroke are being reported from urban health centres and some private hospitals.

Of the 20 cases reported so far, two to four are stated to be of children. Medical and health officials are not ruling out the possibility of higher incidence of the cases, as many prefer to go to medical practitioners instead of approaching a hospital.

K. S. Karuna Murthy, VMC medical and health officer says that 2,000 ORS sachets and essential medicines have been dispatched to urban health centres and maternity and Ayurvedic centres. Emergency cases would be referred to referral hospitals after first aid.

Dr. Murthy advises people affected by sunstroke to immediately undergo administration of electrolyte solution and I.V. fluid, besides cold sponging of the entire body.