The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted that Nigerians may experience “above danger heat stress” this year due to a combination of heat and humidity.
NiMet in its 2017 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction, said that prolonged heat could cause stress, which may lead to an illness called “hyperthermia.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports said NiMet warned that older people could have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity, as most people who die from hyperthermia globally were over 50.
The agency highlighted some of the related complications to include heat syncope, cramps, heat edema, exhaustion and heat stroke. It explained that heat syncope is a sudden dizziness that can happen when one is outdoors in hot weather.
“Heat cramps are the painful tightening of muscles in your stomach, arms or legs which can result from hard work. “Heat exhaustion is a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool as people might feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated and nauseated accompanied by lots of sweating.
“Heat exhaustion can lead to stroke where people need to get medical help immediately. “Older people or those with chronic diseases or alcoholism are at most risk,” NiMet warned.
On malaria, NiMet said it would continue to sensitise the citizens, advising the health sector to be more prepared to deal with the deadly disease. According to NiMet, the process of mosquito birth and bites is directly influenced by rainfall, temperature and humidity that give rise to differences in stability of disease transmission and seasonal variations.
“Locations like Benin City and its north are likely to experience high to extreme mosquito population throughout the year. This is expected to grow with the rainy season,” the agency explained.
Meanwhile, as the world celebrates the International Day of Forests today, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Rural Awareness for Green Environment Initiative (RAGE) has predicted climate crises in Nigeria if the Federal Government and the citizens fail to take serious action on forest conservation.
RAGE stated this in a statement by the Director of Programmes and Administration, Mr. Titigbe Onyeka Venath in Calabar.
(THE GUARDIAN)
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