Muscat: As summer temperatures continue to soar across the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Health (MoH) urged the public, especially those working outdoors, to remain vigilant against the dangers of heat stress.
In a statement issued by MoH as part of its “Safe Summer” campaign, the Ministry highlighted 12 early warning signs of heat stress that may precede serious heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
These include profuse sweating, intense thirst, fatigue or general tiredness, and mild headaches.
According to MoH, there are other critical symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, dizziness or light-headedness, and a rapid heartbeat.
Physical signs such as muscle cramps, irritability or difficulty concentrating, and redness or warmth of the skin were also listed as red flags.
In some cases, individuals may exhibit cool or moist skin with slight palenes, which a misleading indicator that can mask the severity of the condition.
The Ministry further warned that a body temperature between 38 to 39.5 degrees Celsius should be treated as an urgent signal for intervention to prevent escalation into heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition.
The campaign comes amid increasing concerns over the health of workers in construction, agriculture, and similar sectors, where prolonged exposure to high temperatures is common.
Employers have been reminded of their responsibility to implement heat mitigation measures, including shaded rest areas, proper hydration, and adjusted working hours during peak heat periods.
Individuals are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if any of the symptoms are observed, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
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