61 deaths caused by heat stroke in 2024, says ministry

Heat stroke has claimed the lives of 61 people this year, nearly twice the number of 2023, the Ministry of Public Health said.

Apichart Vachiraphan, deputy director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), said that a total of 61 succumbed to the heat since the beginning of the year, compared to 37 in 2023.

Most of the deaths (33) were reported in the northeastern region, followed by 13 in the central and western regions and 10 in the northern region. Many of the heat stroke victims had underlying medical conditions, regularly consumed alcohol and worked outdoors. The official figure of heat-related deaths from 2018 to May 7 this year was 200, he said.

Despite the arrival of rain, heat stroke, which can lead to organ failure and even death, remains a risk in several parts of the country that have high temperatures, said Dr Apichart.

Symptoms of heat stroke include skin redness without sweating, a rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, confusion and unconsciousness.

Patients suspected of suffering from heat stroke should have their body cooled as quickly as possible before seeking medical help.

People are advised to avoid outdoor activities from 11am to 3pm, stay hydrated, refrain from caffeine drinks, alcoholic beverages or drinks with high sugar content and wear loose clothing. Those working outdoors should take regular breaks in the shade.

Meanwhile, six northern provinces and two northeastern provinces were found to have harmful, orange-coded levels of PM2.5 dust yesterday.

According to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), Ubon Ratchathani, Mae Hong Son, Si Sa Ket, Chiang Mai, Phayao, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, and Nan had harmful levels of ultra-fine dust particles ranging from 59 to 37.6 microgrammes per cubic metre of air over the past 24 hours. The safe threshold is 37.5μg/m³.