The Ministry of Health and Child Care has warned Zimbabweans to guard against extreme heat, cautioning that prolonged exposure to high temperatures could trigger dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke amid forecasts of hotter-than-normal conditions during the 2026/2027 season.
In a public health advisory, the Ministry said the anticipated warmer temperatures and below-normal rainfall associated with El Niño conditions could increase heat exposure and water stress, placing vulnerable populations at greater risk.
“High temperatures, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and strenuous physical activity can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate temperature, resulting in dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke,” the Ministry said.
It identified children, older persons, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, persons with disabilities and outdoor workers, including farmers, construction workers and vendors, as particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
The Ministry urged the public to drink safe water regularly, even when they were not thirsty, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during the hottest hours and seek shade or well-ventilated environments.
“Stay hydrated: Drink safe water regularly throughout the day, even when not thirsty,” the advisory said.
It also encouraged people to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use hats or umbrellas for sun protection, while employers were urged to provide outdoor workers with drinking water, shaded resting areas and regular breaks.
The Ministry further cautioned parents and guardians against leaving children unattended in parked vehicles and called for proper storage of drinking water and food to prevent contamination and spoilage.
It said heat exhaustion could manifest through excessive sweating, intense thirst, headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps.
The Ministry warned that heatstroke required urgent medical intervention, with warning signs including confusion, unusual behaviour, seizures, collapse and loss of consciousness.
“Heatstroke – A MEDICAL EMERGENCY: Confusion, unusual behaviour, seizures, collapse or loss of consciousness, particularly following exposure to excessive heat. The skin may be hot and dry or sweaty. Do not wait for all symptoms to appear,” the advisory said.
It urged anyone suspecting heatstroke to seek emergency medical assistance immediately, move the affected person to a cool, shaded place and begin rapid cooling using cold water, wet cloths and fanning while awaiting medical help.
The Ministry cautioned against giving fluids to people who were unconscious, confused or unable to swallow safely, as well as administering paracetamol or aspirin to treat heatstroke.
It also called on the media, schools, employers, local authorities, community leaders and health workers to intensify public awareness campaigns on preventing heat-related illnesses.
“PREVENT HEAT EXPOSURE. STAY HYDRATED. RECOGNISE THE WARNING SIGNS. COOL RAPIDLY AND SEEK MEDICAL HELP WITHOUT DELAY,” the Ministry said.
