In separate interviews on Sunday, health experts in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States proffered solutions to prevent and contain diseases associated with the current heat waves.

Boniface Okolo, the director public health, Enugu State Ministry of Health, said there was a need for people to always stay in airy places to prevent diseases associated with heat.

According to him, diseases associated with heat waves could be prevented if people stay under the shade and sleep under a treated net in a well-ventilated room.

Similarly, Felix Onyezebe, a consultant dermatologist at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FETHA) in Ebonyi, called for increased awareness in tackling diseases associated with the heat wave.

Mr Onyezebe said the most important action to take during a heat wave was to care for and communicate risk effectively to vulnerable people to manage mild and severe heat illnesses.

According to him, heat illnesses such as heat stroke could be life-threatening if the body overheats in a high-temperature environment.

The dermatologist identified other diseases associated with the condition, including bumps on the skin, muscle spasms, headache, dizziness and nausea.

Mr Onyezebe said that reducing indoor heat exposure, drinking enough water and eating healthy beverages made of natural ingredients could help the skin get back and glow.

He also suggested consuming vegetables and fruits containing high antioxidants as they acted as oral sunscreens if exposed to high temperature and dehydration.

Another dermatologist, Chinedu Nwali, suggested that people should always wear sunscreens.

“First advice you hear when there is summer overseas is to wear sunscreens and use gear against the sun, but here we see them as fashion. It is serious,” he said.

Mr Nwali said people must prevent skin congestion by avoiding creams and lotions to help keep the skin clear and acne-free even during hot and sunny days.

He urged women to wear lightweight makeup and use facial mists to give the skin an instant hydration boost which helps with sunburns and rashes.

An expert on climate change, Tina Nkem, said climate change was a huge health threat facing humanity.

She said heat wave was projected due to climate change, adding that strong actions could prevent a heat rise.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State government said it is on high alert and taking proactive measures to guard against spreading diseases associated with a heatwave.

Afam Obidike, the state’s Commissioner for Health, said the government was prepared for any eventuality.

“Following the report of the diseases such as Lassa Fever and Diphtheria across some states in the country, we activated our Emergency Preparedness and Response Team.

“The ministry is on high alert to prevent and contain any outbreak of diseases in the state.”

He urged residents to drink lots of water and ensure adequate ventilation at homes to mitigate the intensity of the heatwave in the state.

(NAN)