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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- We experienced a slight cool Friday, but people are still coping with heat-related illnesses.

In Adair County alone, within the past two weeks, there have been five known cases of heat exhaustion. Schuyler, Putnam, and Scotland Counties said they have not had any reported cases. Adair County Health officials said the extreme heat can cause dehydration, exhaustion and heat stroke.

Symptoms of these illnesses are dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramping, nausea, and lost of consciousness.

Lori Guffey, RN, said drinking lots of liquids is the key to staying healthy in the heat.

"We encourage everyone not to be out in the hottest part of the day. To wear light clothing and to drink plenty of fluids. If you're not feeling well, certainly you should go to a cool area and you can put cold towels on yourself."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding alcoholic or sugary beverages when trying to keep hydrated and staying in an air-conditioned place when temperatures rise above the upper 90s.

Here is more information about heat-related illnesses.