FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ChildSafe South Africa and Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Caution Against Heatstroke in Children During the Hottest Month of the Year
Cape Town, South Africa, February 2025 – As February marks the beginning of the hottest month of the year in many parts of South Africa, ChildSafe South Africa in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is urging parents and caregivers to be vigilant and take proactive measures to protect children from heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
The average temperature across the planet has been increasing steadily, making it more important than ever to remember that children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related issues. Dr Shirani Naidoo, emergency specialist at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH), shares insights on why children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, the signs and symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent heatstroke.
Why Are Children More Susceptible to Heatstroke or Heat Exhaustion?
Children are more likely to suffer from heatstroke or heat exhaustion because their bodies produce more heat during physical activity than adults, and their cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, are less developed. Their higher body surface area to weight ratio increases their vulnerability to heatstroke, especially in hot and humid conditions. Children also tend to become so absorbed in play that they don’t notice when they’re overheating or need to rest. For this reason, parents and caregivers need to remind children to drink water and take breaks in shaded, cool areas—or do so on their behalf—since kids are often too focused on having fun to pay attention to these needs.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Heatstroke or Heat Exhaustion?
- High body temperature (40°C)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (indicating reduced sweating)
- Rapid pulse or breathing
- Fatigue or muscle cramps
- Dizziness or confusion
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unconsciousness in extreme cases
How to Prevent Heatstroke
Here are some guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) on how we can prevent heatstroke or heat exhaustion in children and infants:
- Never leave children or animals in parked vehicles for any amount of time, as temperatures can quickly become dangerously high.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, seeking shade or staying indoors instead. Shade can reduce how hot you feel by more than 10°C.
- Do not cover an infant stroller or pram with dry fabric – this makes the temperature inside the carriage even hotter. Instead, use a wet, thin cloth which is kept damp to lower the temperature. Combine with a portable fan for an even greater cooling effect.
- Dress children in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers their skin, and use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect them from the sun’s rays.
- Keep children hydrated with plenty of cool water and allow infants to breastfeed on demand.
- Any associated diarrhoea and or vomiting will cause a quicker and more severe deterioration and will need a higher fluid intake to stay safe.
ChildSafe South Africa Executive Director, Zaitoon Rabaney says supervision is key. “Keeping a close eye on children and staying vigilant for signs of heatstroke are crucial steps in ensuring children’s safety. Early detection and swift action can make all the difference in preventing severe outcomes. By collectively staying informed and prepared, we can safeguard our children from heat-related illnesses and ensure they stay safe and healthy during the hottest months of the year.”
Immediate Actions for Heat Exhaustion
If a child begins to show signs of heat exhaustion (a precursor to heatstroke), prompt action can prevent escalation. Parents should:
- Move the child to a cooler place: Find a shaded area or an air-conditioned environment where they can sit or lie down.
- Hydrate: Actively encourage the child to drink cool water slowly if they are conscious and alert. If the child has been sweating a lot, the standard oral rehydration solution in the Road to Health booklet (with sugar and salt in clean water) is cheap, effective, and easy to make up at home.
- Cool the body: Use a damp cloth, fan, or cool compresses to help lower body temperature.
- Remove unnecessary clothing and shoes: This can facilitate faster cooling.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate the onset of heatstroke. In such cases, seek immediate medical help by calling emergency services or heading to the closest health facility.
Staying Informed: Resources for Parents
For reliable guidance, parents can turn to resources like:
- UNICEF Heat Wave Safety Tips
Children’s safety in hot weather is mostly dependent on proactive prevention, awareness, and quick reaction to early signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Parents can significantly reduce their children’s risk of heat-related illnesses by keeping them hydrated, cool, and safe from the sun.
Stay safe, stay cool, and make this summer about fun.
Media Contacts:
ChildSafe South Africa Shane Everts, Strategic Communications Email: shane@childsafe.org.za Tel: 061 526 2200
Shimoney Regter Communications Officer Department of Health and Wellness Western Cape Government Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital Email: Shimoney.Regter@westerncape.gov.za Tel: 021 658 5448 Cel: 081 342 6687
About ChildSafe South Africa
ChildSafe South Africa is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to reduce and prevent injuries of children through Research, Education, and Advocacy. The organisation is a registered NPO with section 18A exemption who works with other non-profits, government, corporates and communities. Our core focus though is the prevention of unintentional injuries that are usually regarded as accidents, such as, burns, falls, drowning, road traffic crashes, choking and poisoning. For more information, visit www.childsafe.org.za
About Red Cross War Memorial Hospital
Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital is South Africa’s only dedicated child health institution and offers a comprehensive range of specialist paediatric services to children. It is a centre of excellence for the training of all categories of child health professionals.
Children from all nine provinces of South Africa and from all over Africa are referred to the Hospital by referral hospitals, clinics and smaller hospitals. The hospital is active in paediatric outreach and support programmes across South Africa.
Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital is regarded as South Africa’s leading centre for postgraduate specialist paediatric medical and surgical training. The hospital’s tertiary facility provides comprehensive dedicated paediatric services with a full range of sub-specialties at quaternary, tertiary and secondary levels of care.