Oman health: Rise in temperature triggers diseases

Muscat: An increase in outdoor temperatures over the past few weeks has caused many residents to contract the flu or chicken pox.
Clinics and outpatient departments in hospitals have reported treating patients for heat exhaustion, fever, colds, coughs, respiratory distress and chicken pox. The common trigger for these ailments has been the rise in Celsius, according to officials.
Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by the Varicella/Herpes Zostervirus. It is generally spread between children, and sometimes to adults, by sneezing, coughing, contaminated clothing and direct contact with open blisters.
According to a Ministry of Health (MoH) report, 18,376 cases of chicken pox were registered in Oman in 2014, and 17,903 cases in 2013. But in 2012, Oman reported 36,455 cases of chicken pox.
Dr Pradeep Maheswari, a specialist in internal medicine at Atlas Hospital, said that cases of heat exhaustion, viral flu, dehydration, as well as aching muscles and joints accompanied by headache and fever, have increased along with the outside temperature. “We are advising people to drink plenty of water, fluids and not to be exposed to the sun for a long time,” he told Times of Oman on Thursday. Apart from prescribing medicines, doctors are advising patients to focus on personal hygiene to prevent the further spread of the virus to others in their families or workplaces.
Officials note that children have begun falling sick because of rising outdoor temperatures, and a large number of children are suffering from chicken pox, where rashes mainly appear on their bodies and heads.
Dr Sanju Joy, a doctor at Badr Al Samaa, Nizwa, said children suffering from chicken pox should drink water and eat fruits and vegetables. “They should also be given regular baths and should not attend schools for seven to ten days, unless their conditions improve,” he said.
According to a medical specialist, receiving a chicken pox vaccine is the best way to prevent contracting the illness.
“All children below the age of 12 should be vaccinated against the disease. It is available at primary health centres for both Omanis and expatriates. It not only protects a person, it also reduces the risk of exposure for persons unable to be vaccinated because of illness or other conditions, including those who may be at greater risk,” the official said.