Residents are being urged to take proactive steps to prevent dehydration and other heat-related illnesses, as Jamaica continues to experience unusually high temperatures.

Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, said the current heat conditions increase the risk of heat stress and heat exhaustion, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, older adults and persons who spend extended periods outdoors.

He underscored that prolonged exposure to excessive heat can result in heat cramps, heat rashes and heat stress, which occurs when the body becomes dehydrated and is unable to cool itself sufficiently to maintain a healthy temperature.