Health authorities probe suspected heat stroke death in Latur

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Health authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a 60-year-old farmer in Nilanga taluka of Latur district, who is suspected to have died of heat stroke after working in extreme heat, officials said.The deceased, identified as Laxman Bhandare of Aurad Shahajani village, collapsed on Monday evening after toiling in his farm throughout the day. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was given first aid and referred to a hospital in Nilanga. However, he died while being shifted.Latur district disaster management officer Saqueb Osmani, citing the attending doctor and the farmer's family members, said the cause of death could be dehydration-induced cardiac failure, possibly linked to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.District health officer Dr Balaji Shinde said taluka-level health authorities have been directed to determine whether the death was due to heat stroke. "A detailed investigation will be conducted as per the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health. Our team could not meet the bereaved family on Tuesday, and has sought an appointment on Wednesday to collect the required information," he said.The inquiry will include details such as the clinical history, outdoor and indoor conditions before the onset of illness, medical observations at first contact, the farmer's physical activity prior to collapse, and prevailing weather data."We will be able to confirm whether this was a heat stroke-related death only after all the relevant details are compiled and analysed," Dr Shinde said.With temperatures in several parts of the region, including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division, hovering above 40°C, authorities have renewed appeals for precautionary measures."Strenuous physical labour should be avoided during peak summer hours as far as possible. Farmers who cannot skip farm work should at least cover their head and ears with white cotton cloth to reduce heat exposure," Osmani said.