Public warned vs heat stroke amid El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — Health officials have advised the public to be wary of signs of heat stroke as the country is starting to feel the effects of a strong El Niño.

The Department of Health (DOH) said heat stroke is life threatening and its symptoms must be immediately identified including loss of consciousness, high body temperature, difficulty in breathing, confusion, slurred speech and convulsion.

“If you notice signs of heat stroke, bring the patient immediately to a nearest health facility or call the National Emergency Hotline 911 for assistance,” the DOH said in a post on social media.

Aside from heat stroke, heat exhaustion is another heat-related illness that can be experienced during El Niño.

The DOH said symptoms of heat exhaustion include extreme fatigue or body weakness, dizziness, cramps, nausea and excessive sweating.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, people must wear light-colored or lightweight clothing, stay hydrated by drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day and limit excessive physical activity especially in the afternoon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the El Niño phenomenon would intensify between September and December, and may persist until the middle part of next year.