SAN FRANCISCO, CA – MAY 15: The sun sets over San Francisco Bay on May 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via /Keynote USA/Getty Images)
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia is currently in the midst of a prolonged heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees and high humidity making it feel even hotter.
This extreme weather has led health officials to issue urgent warnings after nearly 100 Virginians were hospitalized with heat-related illnesses over the weekend, according to Virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/syndromic-surveillance/hri-surveillance/” data-type=”link” data-id=”https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/syndromic-surveillance/hri-surveillance/”>Data from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
The heat wave, which persists for several days, has caused conditions conducive to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heatstroke.
“Situational awareness…just being aware of what the weather is going to be like before you go out,” said Bob Mauskapf, director of the VDH Office of Emergency Preparedness, on how to prevent heat-related injuries.
There are three phases of heat-related illnesses:
- signs of heat cramps They include intense sweating with muscle pain or spasms. To help, move the person to a cooler place and encourage them to drink water or a sports drink. Seek medical help if symptoms last more than an hour or if the person has heart problems.
- signs of heat exhaustion If the person has symptoms such as heavy sweating, cold, clammy skin, a fast, weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headaches, or feeling faint, they probably have heat exhaustion. Take her to a cool place, loosen her clothing, put a cool, wet cloth on her body, and have her drink sips of water. Seek medical help if you vomit, if your symptoms worsen, or if symptoms last more than an hour.
- Heatstroke It is a fatal condition that requires immediate medical help. Symptoms include high body temperature; hot, red, dry, or clammy skin; a rapid or strong pulse; headache or dizziness; or nausea, confusion, and fainting. Call 911 immediately if you think someone may have heat stroke. If a person has a high body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, hot, red skin, a rapid, strong pulse, confusion, or loss of consciousness, he or she likely has heat stroke. After calling 911, take the person to a cool place and place cool, damp cloths on their body, spraying or fanning them to help cool them. Do not give the person anything to drink.
Mauskapf warned that a person’s temperature during heat stroke can rise rapidly, reaching dangerous levels within minutes. It is essential to act immediately if any of these symptoms are observed: finding an air-conditioned shelter, drinking water, and using cold cloths can help reduce body temperature.
Of the nearly 100 heat-related hospitalizations reported Saturday, 13 cases were in central Virginia. Vulnerable groups, including young children, older people and people with pre-existing health conditions, are especially at risk during prolonged periods of high temperatures.
“As the heat wave persists, it is important to remain alert,” Mauskapf said. “Even during the afternoons and evenings, temperatures can remain dangerously high. So don’t be fooled into thinking that temperatures will drop, it’s still dangerous.”
In response to the current heat wave, the Virginia Department of Health urges residents to take preventative measures. These include drinking plenty of water, minimizing outdoor activities during the hottest hours, wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding strenuous exercise in the heat.
As the summer progresses, authorities continue to closely monitor the situation, providing updates and guidance to ensure public safety. For the latest information and tips on coping with extreme heat, residents are encouraged to visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website. website.
The heat advisory remains in effect as Virginia prepares for continued warm weather in the coming days. Health officials emphasize the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
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