Panama health ministry issues heat‑stroke precautions ahead of El Niño heat wave

Panama’s Ministry of Health (Minsa) has issued a series of precautions to protect the population from extreme heat linked to the prolonged El Niño event. Director of Health Promotion Oris Iglesias urged people to drink water frequently, avoid direct sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., wear light‑coloured cotton clothing and stay in cool, ventilated places. She also highlighted the need to recognise early signs of heat‑related illness—such as dizziness, nausea, severe headache, confusion, weakness or fainting—and to seek immediate medical care if they occur.

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Imhpa) predicts a deficit of rainfall and higher air temperatures across most of the country from July to December 2026, increasing the risk of heat‑related health problems, especially for children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions. An analysis by the Pan American Health Organization (OPS) warns that these conditions could raise the incidence of heat‑related diseases and calls for stronger epidemiological surveillance, preparedness of health services and inter‑institutional coordination. Civil protection authorities also advised avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours, protecting vulnerable groups, not leaving people or pets inside parked vehicles, and monitoring forest humidity to prevent mass‑vegetation fires.