YANGON: The Ministry of Health has announced that the public can significantly reduce health risks associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon by following simple preventative measures.
To guard against heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heat stroke, citizens are advised to drink plenty of water, rest in cool, shaded areas and use hats or umbrellas when outdoors. The Ministry also recommends avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol, coffee and sugary drinks.
Water scarcity and flooding during El Niño can contaminate water and food supplies, leading to diarrhea, dysentery, food poisoning, typhoid, hepatitis and skin or eye infections. To prevent these illnesses, people should drink only boiled or purified water, eat freshly cooked meals, avoid food exposed to flies, and wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
Simultaneously, the public should combat mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria by eliminating breeding grounds, tightly covering water storage containers, and sleeping under treated mosquito nets.
Finally, hot and dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires, dust, and smoke, which can trigger asthma, allergies and respiratory infections. Residents are urged to wear face masks during periods of heavy dust or smoke, maintain clean indoor air and stay alert to wildfire hazards. - Eleven Media/ANN
