Health officials have urged parents to protect children from dehydration amid prevailing extreme heat conditions.

Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Colombo, stated children should be given plenty of water and natural fluids.

He noted symptoms such as drowsiness, loss of appetite and body aches require increased fluid intake.

Dr. Perera further stated hot weather raises the risk of skin rashes and infections, advising children be bathed at least twice daily.

He warned children taking part in school sports are at higher risk of dehydration and heatstroke without proper hydration, which can lead to serious complications, including death.