The Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) says the risk of body thermal stress has decreased as a result of the current cool weather conditions.

Body thermal stress is a condition caused by extremely hot and dry weather, and it leads to sickness and even loss of life for both humans and livestock.

According to LMS principal meteorologist, Mrs. 'Mabafokeng Mahahabisa, the prevailing weather conditions could last until January 2008, when it is expected to start heating up again. With January having previously proved to be the hottest month of the year, the risk of body thermal stress is expected to rise again.

Dry air, dust storms, high temperatures and enhanced body sweat during the day, followed by cooling temperatures at night lead to the weakening of the immune system.

LMS says children, the aged and the sick must be discouraged from exposing themselves to sunny and windy conditions. At the same time they must remain well clothed, while indoors and after sunset. People should also avoid a sudden change from a warmer to a cooler place and ice versa.

Stagnant water, especially from open wells must be boiled before consumption, while food, meat in particular, should not be left for a long time before use, unless refrigerated, as it attracts disease-causing germ at a faster rate under these conditions.

LMS director, Mr. Ts'eliso Sekoli, says the scale of body thermal stress is particularly difficult to establish due to absence of a monitoring mechanism.

Source: LENA 07/11/2007