Health officials urge precautions amid triple-digit heat

Health officials are urging residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses as temperatures are expected to reach around 106 degrees this week with the start of summer.
Medical experts warn that extreme heat can quickly lead to serious health conditions, especially among vulnerable groups such as young children.

“Babies and toddlers in general have a risk of heat exhaustion and heat illness … about three to five times higher than that of an adult,” said Dharshana Krishna, a pediatric emergency medicine physician.

Doctors say heat illness can escalate rapidly if a person does not cool down or rehydrate. Early symptoms may progress from mild fatigue to more severe conditions such as heat syncope, which can cause temporary loss of consciousness.

Krishna said more serious cases of heat exhaustion may include confusion, excessive sweating and dehydration, along with difficulty waking up.

“And then we have the more heat exhaustion where you still have more altered mental status,” she said.

Health officials emphasized that immediate medical attention is necessary when symptoms worsen. Warning signs include dizziness, vomiting and fainting.

“Especially if you are vomiting or extremely sleepy, it may not be safe to do oral hydration at home,” Krishna said.

Officials said hydration is critical, but cautioned that not all fluids are equally effective. Sugary drinks may worsen dehydration, while drinking only water without replacing electrolytes can also pose risks.

Krishna noted that electrolyte imbalances, particularly in children, can lead to serious complications.

To prevent heat-related illness, officials recommend staying indoors during peak heat, drinking fluids regularly and taking breaks when outdoors.

“The main thing is stay cool and play it safe,” Krishna said.

The warning comes as much of Texas faces sustained high temperatures, increasing the likelihood of heat-related emergencies in the coming days.