With the mercury rising, emergency departments of different hospitals in the UAE have started registering heat stroke cases.

If heat stroke is not treated quickly it can be fatal, said health officials yesterday. They are warning construction companies not to let labourers work outdoors during midday as it can lead to heat stroke.

"About 95 per cent of these cases are seen among workers and only five per cent among students," said Dr Jehad Awad, Specialist Accident Emergency at Al Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Ahmed Abdul Haleem from the Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Ajman added: "Since the beginning of this month, we have started receiving cases of heat stroke."

They receive about two to three cases every day. The Met office at Dubai Airport said summer in the UAE starts from May and concludes in September where temperature starts dropping. Thus utmost care should be taken in these months to avoid heat stroke.

"Last summer, we received many heat stroke cases. For instance, in June we dealt with 29 cases, in July, we treated about 130 cases, and in August about 272," Dr Awad said.

The numbers are indicative of the rising incidence of heat stroke cases throughout the country.

"According to the WHO, labourers should not be allowed to work when the temperature soars to 50 degrees Celsius. However, it is not advisable for labourers to work when the temperature exceeds 40 degrees because it can be fatal," said Dr Awad.

"In a heat stroke case, the skin becomes dry and flushed, and one does not sweat. Sweating helps the body to cool down. But when there is a breakdown in the temperature regulatory system, one does not sweat leading to a rapid rise in body temperature, which can be fatal. Its symptoms include confusion, staggering about and fainting."

A person gets heat stroke when he is exposed to the sun and humid climate for a long time. Humid weather is not good because it prevents the body from getting cool. It can also happen to people who take blood pressure or medicines for allergies, because they help the body to lose water and minerals.

When labourers are exposed to the sun, their productivity reduces. They should wear a hat to protect their head, sunglasses and wear cotton clothes. Also an umbrella helps block the sun and protects the skin.

They can also put wet towels on their heads to protect themselves from the heat. They should be provided with salt and mineral pills and water to help them stay cool.

"It is advisable for the labourers to take 10 to 15 minutes break after every two hours and rest in the shade." They start receiving most of the heat stroke after 10am but some of the cases come at night too.

The symptoms

What happens when it hits you:
* In a heat stroke case, the skin becomes dry and flushed, and one does not sweat.

* When there is a breakdown in the temperature regulatory system, one does not sweat, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature.

* A person gets heat stroke when he is exposed to the sun and humidity for a long time.

* Symptoms include confusion, staggering and fainting.

* Humid weather is not good because it prevents the body from cooling itself.

* It can also happen to those who take medication for blood pressure or allergies because it helps the body to lose water and minerals.

Precautions

Steps that can prevent an attack:
* Those who work outdoors should wear a hat to protect their head, along with sunglasses and cotton clothes.

* Umbrellas can be used to help block the sun and protect the skin.

* They must also put wet towels on their heads to protect themselves from the heat.

* Those who work outdoors should be provided with salt and mineral pills and water to help them stay cool.

* It is advisable that labourers take a 10- to 15-minute break every two hours and rest in the shade.