Amid a deadly heat wave ravaging Europe, with one temperature record after another being broken, Cyprus is also approaching its first 40-degree mark. As July approaches—one of the months with the highest temperatures on the island—hospitals are on high alert to be prepared for any potential cases of heat exhaustion. Although no such cases have been reported so far.

“When temperatures are high, we should listen to the instructions from the meteorological service and the labor inspection department and follow them closely. We must avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, dress lightly, and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.” ^{Pambos Charilaou, OKYPY Press Officer}

They also recommend paying special attention to vulnerable population groups as well as young children.

“Especially the elderly, whom we must look after whether they are at home or in residential facilities, because they are primarily the individuals who have multiple comorbidities, and prolonged exposure to the sun can cause unwanted complications. There have been deaths in previous years from heatstroke or heat exhaustion. This is something that is expected to happen again this year.” ^{Pambos Charilaou, OKYPY Press Officer}

Although no cases of heat exhaustion have been reported so far, cases of gastroenteritis and food poisoning have been seen in accident and emergency departments.

“Due to food spoilage caused by improper transport conditions.” ^{Pambos Charilaou, OKYPY Press Officer}

According to the press officer, the first-aid units at OKYPY hospitals were also called upon to treat burn cases.

Watch the report by Nasia Ioannou