Latest news with #heatexhaustion
Arab News
4 days ago
- Climate
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia reports five heat exhaustion cases among pilgrims, urges precautions amid soaring temperatures
MAKKAH: As temperatures soared at the holy sites, Saudi Arabia confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among the more than one million pilgrims who have arrived to perform Hajj rituals. All those affected received immediate medical attention and are currently in a stable condition, according to the ministry of health, which added that health teams were on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom's commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims. The country's National Center for Meteorology has forecast hot to extremely hot weather conditions at the holy sites during this year's Hajj season. According to the center, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 40°C and 47°C, while minimum temperatures will vary between 27°C and 32°C. Humidity levels are projected to fluctuate between 15 percent and 60 percent. In a post on its X account, the ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official health guidelines, such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear, and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue. 'If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke within 10-15 minutes — a life-threatening medical emergency,' the post stated. The ministry also advised pilgrims who experience heat exhaustion symptoms to begin immediate cooling measures, such as washing their hands, faces and necks with cold water and moving to a cooler area, as well as drinking plenty of cold water to rehydrate. In its post, the ministry identified headache, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and severe thirst as key clinical symptoms of heat exhaustion. Multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched, and field preparedness has been reinforced, particularly in response to seasonal heat risks. The ministry had announced the health sector's readiness to receive pilgrims, revealing a 60 percent increase in bed capacity compared with last year. Fahad Al-Jalajel, the minister of health, recently confirmed the deployment of over 50,000 medical and technical personnel to serve pilgrims and emphasized the stability of the health situation, with no reported outbreaks or epidemics, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 'Health efforts began early in pilgrims' homelands by analyzing international health risks and issuing clear health requirements, including vaccinations against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, COVID-19, and influenza,' SPA reported, citing Al-Jalajel. The minister underscored the role of the health certificate as the first line of defense during the Hajj season, noting that the Kingdom's health system launched its services with the arrival of the first Makkah Route Initiative flight. As part of the Kingdom's comprehensive preparations, 14 land, air, and sea ports have been fully equipped, delivering more than 50,000 health services so far, including 140 surgical procedures, 65 cardiac catheterizations, and six open-heart surgeries, the minister said. To combat heatstroke risks, Al-Jalajel announced a series of measures in coordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. These include planting more than 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded pedestrian pathways to protect pilgrims from extreme heat. The ministry of health has also intensified awareness efforts through multilingual campaigns, stationing field teams, launching media programs, and organizing medical missions to ensure important health information reaches all pilgrims. Al-Jalajel further revealed the establishment of a new 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina, developed in collaboration with Kidana Development Co. In addition, three new field hospitals with more than 1,200 beds have been set up in partnership with the ministries of national guard, defense, and interior. These were inaugurated 'alongside 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances, 11 evacuation aircraft, and over 7,500 paramedics,' Al-Jalajel told SPA. The minister urged pilgrims to follow health guidelines and affirmed that the Kingdom's health system is operating at full capacity to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season for all.
Al Arabiya
5 days ago
- General
- Al Arabiya
Five heat exhaustion cases reported among Hajj pilgrims: Saudi health ministry
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among Hajj pilgrims amid rising summer temperatures at the holy sites. All individuals affected received immediate medical attention and are currently in stable condition, the ministry said in a statement shared with Al Arabiya English. Health teams remain on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom's broader commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims. The ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official health guidelines – such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear, and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue. To support these efforts, multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched, and field preparedness has been reinforced, particularly in response to seasonal heat risks. These measures are part of Saudi Arabia's comprehensive health strategy to ensure a safe and healthy pilgrimage experience for millions of worshippers from around the world, the ministry said. Earlier this week Saudi Minister of Health Fahad al-Jalajel confirmed that there are no reports of epidemic cases or risk of outbreaks as pilgrims began arriving in the Kingdom for the Hajj season. 'We are pleased to announce that no epidemic cases have been detected so far and there is no risk for outbreak of diseases. The health and safety of pilgrims remain our highest priority,' said al-Jalajel in an official statement shared with Al Arabiya English.
Khaleej Times
26-05-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE sees rise in heatstroke, dehydration cases as temperatures cross 50°C
Hospitals and clinics across the UAE are witnessing a rise in cases of heat-related conditions as temperatures in the country soared earlier this week. Most patients have complained of vomiting, nausea and dizziness. 'We are slowly seeing more patients with heat exhaustion coming to the hospital, mostly those working in hot environments,' said Dr. Karthikeyan Chinniah, Consultant Emergency Medicine at Lifecare Hospital Musaffah. 'Even working in shaded areas during this heatwave can cause harm.' Other medical professionals agreed but said most of the cases could have been prevented. 'With temperatures climbing, our hospital has seen a notable increase in patients experiencing heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburns and. in more severe cases, heat stroke,' said Dr Jyoti Upadhyay, Specialist Internal Medicine at Aster Hospital Mankhool. 'Most of these could be prevented with proper hydration, sun protection, and timely rest in cooler environments.' On Saturday, temperatures in the UAE hit a scorching 51.6°C, marking one of the highest temperatures recorded so far this season. It signaled an early start to the intense summer heat. Dr. Jamaludeen Abubacker, paediatrician at Metro Medical Center in Ajman, said high humidity was also dangerous. 'The most important mechanism to cool body temperatures is when water evaporates from skin and respiratory tract,' he said. 'When relative humidity is above 75 percentage mark, evaporation becomes ineffective for transferring heat. This makes the body at risk of overheating.' Children more vulnerable For Sharjah resident Mohammed, the heat wave brought a scary incident. His 4-year-old daughter who went out to play with her friends on Saturday, returned two hours later and started vomiting soon afterwards. 'I had never come across a case of heat exhaustion,' he said. 'I rushed her to the hospital and they gave her fluids. It was very scary.' Dr. Jamaludheen said it was important to pay extra attention to kids. 'Children have less sweat glands as compared to adults, so the most important way of regulating body temperature by evaporation is compromised,' he said. 'Any child presenting with sweating, headache, tiredness, and vomiting should be taken seriously and measures to prevent progressing to heatstroke must be taken.' Precautions According to Dr. Karthikeyan, there are several precautions people can take to make sure they stay safe. 'Wear light clothes and avoid black ones, as they absorb heat,' he said. 'Use cotton clothes and always carry a water bottle and keep hydrating. It is also important to eat light meals and drink more water, preferably fluids with electrolyte content. Dr. Jyoti said it was also important to use cool packs, wet towels, or a mist spray and soak the feet and hands in cool water for fast relief. 'Take care to avoid strenuous activity during peak heat between 11AM and 4pm,' she said. 'People should also wear sunglasses, a wide-brim hat and use sunscreen.' Dr. Jyoti added that 'everyone, especially older adults, children, outdoor workers, and those with medical conditions, should take extra precautions during extreme heat' to stay safe.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
CHP rescues overheated dog from Oakland freeway
(KRON) — The California Highway Patrol rescued a sick dog found lying in the fast lanes of I-580 in Oakland on May 16. CHP responded to the area when traffic began to back up near Harrison Street. Officers arrived and found a dog lying in lanes 1 and 2 on the eastbound side of the freeway. 'When they arrived, they found this exhausted dog lying in the roadway, barely able to move,' CHP said. 'With no hesitation, officers carefully lifted her into the patrol vehicle and brought her back to the office where she was given water, a cool place to rest, and some much needed care.' Booming fireworks rattle San Francisco The dog was later taken to a nearby animal shelter where she was treated for severe heat exhaustion, CHP said. The dog is recovering from her illness. 'A big thank you to everyone who slowed down and stayed alert,' CHP said. 'Your awareness made a difference.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Atlanta firefighter hospitalized for heat exhaustion
An Atlanta firefighter was hospitalized after experiencing heat exhaustion while battling a fire Saturday afternoon. Firefighters responded to a fire at 670 10th Street NW in Atlanta. Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. The firefighter who experienced heat exhaustion was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. There were no other injuries reported. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Manhunt underway for man accused of taking infant hostage in Hogansville, assaulting officer Body found in search for missing kayaker at Lake Lanier Back at it again: Couple says contractor investigated by Channel 2 left them with unfinished pool [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
