The current hot spell sweeping across the country has claimed its first ever victim in Penang after a man fainted and subsequently passed away.
The news was confirmed by the state health department, which released a statement detailing what led to the man’s demise.
Passed out after 30km run
In the statement, the health department said the 42-year-old victim started his 30km run at 6.30am following a hilly jungle trek around Georgetown.
When he neared the finish line at 4pm, he collapsed and was given emergency treatment before being rushed to the Penang Hospital in critical condition.
Despite doctors’ best efforts to save him, the man eventually passed away at 2.08 am in the ICU on April 26, reported The Vibes.
The statement revealed that the cause of death was due to heat stroke with rhabdomyolysis complications and multiple organ failures.
For the uninitiated, rhabdomyolysis is a rare and serious condition where one’s muscles break down and release toxins into their blood and kidneys.
Precautions
In light of the tragedy, the public has been urged to be alert to their health and changing weather conditions, especially those who participate in outdoor activities or strenuous sports.
The department also reminded Malaysians to stay hydrated and to stop what they’re doing if they experience signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, or muscle cramps.
The latest information regarding the weather can be accessed via the MetMalaysia website (www.met.gov.my/iklim/status-cuaca-panas) and health prevention measures from the Health Ministry website (infosihat.moh.gov.my/cuaca-panas.html).
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