Accident and emergency (A&E) departments at public hospitals across Cyprus have seen a rise in patients as the ongoing heatwave continues to cause heat-related illnesses, the State Health Services Organisation (Okypy) said on Thursday.
Okypy spokesman Charalambos Charilaou said there has been increased movement of people towards coastal areas, alongside higher tourist activity, with several incidents requiring emergency medical attention.
Heat exhaustion and dehydration among common cases
Many of the reported cases have been linked to activities at beaches and in mountainous areas.
The most common conditions recorded include heat exhaustion, dehydration and gastroenteritis.
Charilaou said gastroenteritis is particularly common during the summer months and is often caused by consuming food that has spoiled due to improper storage.
“If food or beverages are not stored under the appropriate conditions, there is a risk that they will spoil and their consumption will cause gastrointestinal problems,” he said.
Children and elderly among those most affected
Patients affected include people of all ages, but children, older people and individuals with heart or lung conditions are among those most vulnerable.
Charilaou advised the public to remain in cool or shaded areas during periods of extreme heat, preferably in air-conditioned spaces where possible.
He also urged people to drink enough fluids to replace water lost through increased sweating and to wear light clothing.
Heatwave continues across Cyprus
Cyprus has experienced an intense heatwave over the past two weeks, with temperatures exceeding 40C.
The Meteorological Department has issued repeated warnings over extreme heat conditions and an increased risk of forest fires.
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