Faced with heatwaves, WHO recommends using common sense and staying indoors
Heat stress, when the body cannot cool itself, can trigger heat exhaustion or heat stroke and aggravate conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney diseases, as well as mental health problems.
"Extreme heat continues to threaten health across the northern hemisphere," the director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that a new study published this month estimates that more than 61,000 people died from heat-related causes in 35 European countries during last year's northern hemisphere summer, the hottest on record.
In addition, he noted that high temperatures and other conditions have also caused forest fires in Algeria, Greece, Italy and Tunisia, with more than 40 people killed and thousands evacuated.
According to a report published last month by the World Meteorological Organisation, Europe is the fastest warming region in the world.
And a new study released this month estimates that more than 61,000 people died from heat-related causes in 35 European countries during last year's northern hemisphere summer, the hottest on record.
"We are also concerned about the impact of extreme weather on the health of people displaced or living in vulnerable or conflict-affected environments, where access to safe water and sanitation is limited or non-existent, refrigeration is unavailable and medical supplies are scarce," Tedros told a news conference in Geneva.
In northwestern Syria, for example, 40 fires were reported in just three days this month, damaging homes and tents and putting families' lives at risk from heat-related illnesses and disease outbreaks.
Heat stress
Heat stress, when the body cannot cool itself, can trigger heat exhaustion or heat stroke and aggravate conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney diseases, as well as mental health problems.
The elderly, infants, outdoor workers and the chronically ill are particularly vulnerable.
The adverse health effects of heat can be prevented by common sense precautions, such as staying indoors during the hottest hours of the day, if possible, and staying hydrated.
Governments can also help by establishing early warning and response systems, strategies for the general population and vulnerable groups, and effective communication plans.
"As we adapt and respond to heatwaves and other extreme weather events, we must address and mitigate their causes if we are to protect our health, our ecosystems and our economies," said the head of the UN agency.
These heatwaves and wildfires are another reminder of the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the planet on which all life depends," he added.