From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The Kano State government has urged its residents to take precautionary measures against the intense heat currently affecting the state.
State Commissioner for Health Abubakar Labaran Yusuf expressed concern about the dangers of the high temperatures, stating that they can lead to various health complications, including malaria and meningitis cerebrum.
“Currently, the intensity of the heat in Kano state is between 43 and 45 degrees, and the air in circulation is dry without moisture,” he said at a press conference on Thursday.
Yusuf explained that excessive heat can cause heatstroke, particularly among the elderly and those working outdoors.
To protect against malaria, he advised residents to sleep under treated mosquito nets, use insecticides, and keep doors and windows closed with nets to prevent mosquito entry. He also emphasized the importance of reporting any suspected cases of malaria to health facilities for prompt treatment.
Regarding meningitis cerebrum, Yusuf urged people to avoid overcrowding in poorly ventilated rooms and halls. He advised that anyone experiencing severe fever and headache should seek immediate medical attention.
He appealed to doctors to conduct thorough examinations of patients with fever to rule out meningitis before diagnosing malaria.