TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Wednesday that Taiwan has seen 310 medical visits for heat-related illnesses so far in May.
The ministry said the number of such medical visits is 140 more than during the same period last year. Common heat-related symptoms include dry, flushed skin, rapid heartbeat, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Among them, heatstroke can lead to organ failure or even death if not treated properly, per CNA.
At the first signs of heat-related illness, it is essential to leave the hot environment and lower body temperature, the Health Promotion Administration said. People are advised to drink cool water with a small amount of salt or electrolyte beverages.
Taiwan Adventist Hospital Emergency Medicine Division Director Han Chang-wang (韓昌旺) said that for those suffering from heat-related illness, their legs can be slightly elevated and clothing loosened. Water at a temperature of 20 to 25 C can be sprayed over the body, or ice packs and cold towels can be applied to areas such as armpits and neck, Han added.
When a person has a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, it becomes difficult for sweat to evaporate from the body, leading to a potential rise in body temperature if there is not enough water intake, the administration said. The agency emphasized the importance of staying hydrated at all times.
The Central Weather Administration said that this April was the second hottest on record, with temperatures about 1.5 C higher than pre-industrial levels. It noted that this year could become one of the hottest years in history.
Taiwan's average temperature and rainfall in April did not show particularly extreme patterns, the administration said. However, the average temperature in the month was 23.4 C, which is 0.1 C higher than the historical average for the same period.
The ministry added the number of medical visits for heat-related illnesses from last June to August increased compared to 2023. June cases increased from 517 to 748, July from 887 to 1,203, and August from 442 to 716.
