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Eleven heat related illnesses have been reported to the Springfield/Greene County Health Department for the week of June 20th from area hospitals. KSMU's Katie Easley reports.

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Heat

The Springfield-Greene County Public Health Department surveys how many people become ill as a result of hot temperatures. (Photo Credit: Alex Crowder)

Heat

Photo Credit: Alex Crowder

Heat

Jaci McReynolds is the Public Information Administrator of Springfield-Greene County Health Department

These illnesses include dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and hypothermia. According to Jaci McReynolds, spokeswoman for the health department, the hottest days are yet to come.

“Seeing 11 cases of heat related illnesses are not unusual for a period of time when you might see high temperatures like we did last week. It’s different in the sense that normally we don’t see those high temperatures in June. It’s typically late July and August,” McReynolds says.

McReynolds recommends air conditioners be kept at 78 degrees or below to prevent heat related illnesses. Also, she says to drink lots of water, and avoid caffeine and alcohol while you’re out in the heat.

Although, young children and the elderly are most susceptible to the heat, the health department said eight out of last weeks eleven cases involved people between the ages of 19 and 64.

For KSMU News, I’m Katie Easley.
 

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