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PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH EXTREME HEAT IN ZIMBABWE The Ministry of Health and Child Care advises members of the public to take precautions against extreme heat during the current hot period. High temperatures, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and strenuous physical activity can overwhelm the body's ability to regulate temperature, resulting in dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke. The 2026/2027 seasonal climate outlook indicates the likelihood of below-normal rainfall and warmer-than-normal temperatures associated with El Niño conditions, potentially increasing heat exposure and water stress. WHO IS MOST AT RISK? Although anyone can be affected, children, older persons, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, persons with disabilities and outdoor workers, including farmers, construction workers and vendors, are particularly vulnerable. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF The Ministry recommends that the public: 1. Stay hydrated: Drink safe water regularly throughout the day, even when not thirsty. 2. Avoid excessive heat exposure: Limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours, generally late morning to mid-afternoon. 3. Keep cool: Stay in shaded, cool and well-ventilated places. Take regular breaks when working outdoors. 4. Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use hats or umbrellas for sun protection. 5. Protect vulnerable people: Check regularly on children, older persons and people living with chronic illnesses. Never leave children unattended in parked vehicles. 6. Promote workplace safety: Employers should provide drinking water, shaded rest areas and regular breaks for outdoor workers. 7. Maintain food and water safety: Store drinking water safely and protect food from spoilage and contamination. RECOGNISE THE WARNING SIGNS Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, intense thirst, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps. Move the affected person to a cool place, loosen clothing, cool the body with water and fanning and provide drinking water if fully alert and able to swallow. Heatstroke – A MEDICAL EMERGENCY: Confusion, unusual behaviour, seizures, collapse or loss of consciousness, particularly following exposure to excessive heat. The skin may be hot and dry or sweaty. Do not wait for all symptoms to appear. WHAT TO DO WHEN HEATSTROKE IS SUSPECTED • Seek emergency medical assistance immediately. • Move the person to a cool, shaded or well-ventilated place. • Remove excess clothing and begin rapid cooling using cold water, wet cloths and fanning. Cold-water immersion may be used where feasible and safe. • Continue cooling while awaiting medical assistance. • Do not give fluids by mouth to anyone who is confused, unconscious or unable to swallow safely. • Do not administer paracetamol or aspirin to treat heatstroke. PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNICATION The Ministry calls upon the media, schools, employers, local authorities, community leaders and health workers to disseminate these messages and promote practical measures to prevent heat-related illnesses. Members of the public should also follow weather updates and official health advisories from the relevant authorities. KEY PUBLIC HEALTH MESSAGE PREVENT HEAT EXPOSURE. STAY HYDRATED. RECOGNISE THE WARNING SIGNS. COOL RAPIDLY AND SEEK MEDICAL HELP WITHOUT DELAY. #HealthForAll