Question No 8-
REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH & WELFARE TO A QUESTION BY DR HON HENRIETTA IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY, 8 APRIL 1987
Question :
In the light of the reported death of a 26 year-old Police Inspector from heat-stroke, will Government inform this Council how many cases of heat-stroke had occurred and how many deaths were caused by it in the last 5 years in Hong Kong, what are the early symptoms of heat-stroke and whether it can be prevented or treated?
Sir,
From statistics collected by the Medical and
Health Department in the five year period from 1982 to
1986, 20 persons were diagnosed as having suffered
diseases arising from the effects of heat, including heat
stroke. Three deaths were attributable to this cause.
2.
I am advised that the early symptoms of heat
stroke include: headache, vertigo, faintness, abdominal
distress, confusion and rapid breathing. However, there
may be no premonitory symptom and loss of consciousness
may be the first indication.