Nicosia, Cyprus. Accident and emergency departments at public hospitals across Cyprus have recorded an increased influx of patients as the ongoing heatwave drives up heat-related illnesses, according to state health services organisation (Okypy) spokesman Charalambos Charilaou.
He said increased movement to coastal areas and higher tourist traffic had contributed to more incidents reaching emergency response centres.
Common conditions
Charilaou said many cases were linked to activities at beaches or in the mountains, with heat exhaustion, dehydration and gastroenteritis among the most common conditions.
He said gastroenteritis was particularly common during summer and was often caused by food that had spoiled because it was not stored properly.
“If food or beverages are not stored under the appropriate conditions, then there is a risk that they will spoil and their consumption will cause gastrointestinal problems,” he said.
Groups most affected
Patients included people of all ages, although children, older people and those with heart or lung conditions were most frequently affected, Charilaou said.
He advised people to remain in cool and shaded places during periods of high temperatures, preferably in air-conditioned spaces where possible, drink sufficient fluids and wear light clothing.
Heatwave warnings
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 and an increased risk of forest fires.
