Six schoolchildren faint due to heatstroke

Victims belong to different private institutions

GUJRANWALA: At least six schoolchildren fainted due to heatstroke in Daska and its adjoining areas on Wednesday.

An official at a health facility told Express News that six schoolchildren, belonging to different private institutes situated in Model Town, College Road and other areas, were brought in unconscious after they suffered heatstroke.



He added that medical aid was being provided to the children.

Meanwhile, parents of the victims told Express News that the school’s administration opened the institutions prior to the notified date in a bid to collect fees.

They said that despite the hot and humid weather, the schools lacked fans and drinking water facilities. They demanded authorities concerned take stern action against the school management.

Earlier, at least three people lost their lives while several others were admitted to hospitals due to heatstroke in Gujranwala.

Meanwhile, health officials said people should avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun and take precautionary measures.

They also informed the public about warning signs and symptoms of a heat stroke, which include fever, severe headache, dryness of lips and tongue, vomiting and tremors.



They said that children and the elderly should wear light clothes, avoid going out unnecessarily and cover their heads with a damp cloth in case of excessive heat.

They pointed out that heatstroke is a serious illness. It occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. As the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2^nd, 2018.