PETALING JAYA: Parents should keep their children indoors between 11 am and 3 pm when outdoor temperature rises, as the body temperature could rise above 40°C under heat stroke.

Sibu-based pediatrician Dr. Toh Teck Hock told Sin Chew Daily a person could suffer from heat stroke if he or she is continuously exposed to hot sun for several hours in the absence of adequate water intake.

“Various organs will be affected if the body is unable to optimally regulate the temperature, resulting in organ failure, starting from the brain and followed by body spasms and kidney failure.

“The victim will feel dizzy, become unconscious, and eventually die.”

Dr. Toh said heat stroke which is common in Middle East will typically not happen in Malaysia, as the outdoor temperature here will not go up too high normally.

However, given the recent hot spell in this country, it is still possible for Malaysians continuously exposed to hot sun to suffer from heat stroke.

Children should avoid outdoor activities between 11 am and 3 pm if the temperature goes too high, he advised.

“Children must avoid unnecessary activities under hot sun and should be kept indoors as far as possible.

“Ensure good ventilation for indoor air, and if outdoor activity is inevitable, it must be carried out under sun shelter.

“Don’t expose the children under the hot sun, as the sun’s ultraviolet rays will also increase the incidence of skin cancer.”

Dr. Toh also reminded the public to drink plenty of water.

Send a child to see a doctor if he or she presents the symptoms of limb weakness, fever, drowsiness, body spasms, vomiting and breath shortness.

Two children, aged 11 and 19 months from Bachok and Kota Bharu in Kelantan, died of heat stroke last Tuesday.

The Meteorological Department has warned that temperature could rise above 37°C in Kedah and some other states on Peninsular Malaysia.