Health Units Report Increased Heat-Related Illnesses Amidst Puerto Vallarta Heatwave

PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – Despite sizzling temperatures soaring over 30 degrees Celsius, creating a perceived heat of above 40 degrees, health units in the region have reported a five to ten percent increase in heat-related illnesses, with no recorded cases of heatstroke yet, according to Jaime Álvarez Zayas, Director of the VIII Sanitary Region.

Álvarez Zayas clarified that the recently released information from the SSJ regarding 95 cases linked to the current heatwave is not exclusive to Puerto Vallarta. The confusion, he stated, arises due to the SSJ’s policy of documenting information by health regions rather than individual municipalities. The cases, which have been accumulating since the onset of the hot season in March, are not specific to June.

Furthermore, he elaborated that a significant number of these cases were reported during the Holy Week in the municipality of Talpa de Allende during the Pilgrim’s Route. As this municipality falls under the jurisdiction of the Eighth Sanitary Region, headquartered in Puerto Vallarta, this led to the misinterpretation of data.

The increase in heat-associated illnesses varies between five and ten percent, depending on the specific health unit in question. Álvarez Zayas noted that this data likely underrepresents the full scope of the issue, as it does not include cases treated in private clinics or hospitals, nor does it account for those who experience mild symptoms and do not seek medical attention.

In response to the uptick in heat-related ailments, Álvarez Zayas urged the public to heed caution during the ongoing heatwave. Recommendations include avoiding sun exposure, staying hydrated with water, and limiting the intake of other beverages such as soda or beer, which may not provide adequate hydration. He emphasized that adherence to these preventative measures is critical to maintaining health in these extreme temperatures.