With the temperatures soaring during the day, the Health authorities have asked the people to keep themselves hydrated and to keep away from cool drinks of suspect quality.
With the mercury touching 36-37 degrees Centigrade during day, it could result in sunstroke or sunburn if one is exposed to an extended period in the sun.
In such temperatures, iced drinks are a favourite at juice shops and eateries. Food Safety Officer for Ernakulam, B. Sivakumar, told The Hindu that as per the department’s directives to all eateries that sell cool drinks, only food grade ice should be used. However, the low cost of the ice manufactured for freezing fish was a lure for some food joints. A squad formed under the food safety department will randomly check the quality of ice used in drinks at various joints.
Food grade ice was commercially manufactured by companies using filtered water and was easily available in the market. About 70% of the cool drink vendors could be using good ice, said Mr. Sivakumar.
While spells of summer rain are welcomed by the people, the Health authorities get more alert during the time as it could lead to breeding of mosquitoes, which are vectors for many communicable diseases.
Stored water too acts as a source for breeding for mosquitoes in homes. Intermittent water supply forces people to store water in as many containers as they can. Most of the water stored for washing, cleaning and bathing remains open, inviting mosquitoes to breed.
After the current season set in, the district has seen more cases of chicken pox than other communicable diseases that peak during high temperatures. Health officials warn that chicken pox in adults with co-morbid conditions of diabetes, hypertension, kidney diseases and heart diseases could become difficult to treat if precautions are not taken. Anti-viral medicines are available that could reduce the intensity of the viral disease. These can be administered only under a doctor’s prescription, officials say.
