Citation

MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep. 2013; 62(31): 617-621.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, (in public domain), Publisher U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23925170

Abstract

Heat waves kill more persons, on average, than any other extreme weather event in the United States, and additional heat-related deaths are caused by hot weather not classified as heat waves. Summer temperatures in New York City (NYC) are increasing, with longer and hotter heat waves projected into the next century and beyond. To assess current risk factors and vulnerable populations among NYC residents, hospital data, death certificate data, and medical examiner records involving cases of heat illness, including hyperthermia (also known as heat stroke), were analyzed by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for the period 2000-2011. On average, 447 patients each year were treated for heat illness and released from emergency departments, 152 were hospitalized, and 13 persons died from heat stroke. Chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and obesity were common comorbidities. Among fatality investigation records with information available about cooling, none found a working air conditioner in use. Outreach to city residents at high risk and their caregivers should emphasize the dangers of heat and importance of protective cooling measures during hot weather. Improving awareness of chronic health conditions that increase vulnerability to heat is also important.

Language: en