Two more heatstroke deaths in North West
Two more people have died of heatstroke in North West, bringing the total over the past few days to 11, the provincial health department said on Saturday.
Spokesman Tebogo Lekgethwane said the two new cases were from Taung.
On Friday the department said nine people had died and 16 others were admitted to the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital for heatstroke.
“The North West MEC for health Dr Magome Masike is disturbed by the unfortunate passing of nine people who died due to heatstroke in the province. The nine died at Mahikeng Provincial Hospital,” said Lekgethwane.
He said five people had been declared dead on arrival, three had died in casualty on Thursday, and one died on Friday.
Symptoms of heatstroke include hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, hallucinations, chills, throbbing headache, high body temperature, confusion/dizziness, and slurred speech.
People were urged to ensure they remained in cool, shaded areas and take more liquids, especially water, to prevent dehydration.
The North West province has been experiencing sweltering heat this week, with temperatures exceeding 40 degree celsius.
The SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in the province on Saturday appealed to farmers, building contractors, and households employing gardeners to reduce the working hours of outdoor workers until the heatwave had subsided.
“All of us, including children, have to heed the health warning to ensure that they stayed in cool, shaded areas and take in more liquids, especially water, to prevent dehydration,” said Sanco North West chairman Paul Sebegoe.
He called on the business sector, and in particular mining companies, to support and sponsor boreholes for areas experiencing serious water shortages exacerbated by the heatwave and drought conditions. –
ANA
(File photo)