Extreme heat may be taking a toll
Investigators have uncovered trends in heat-related mortality in the United States.
Deaths associated with heat have been increasing across the world. Previous studies have identified extreme heat as a contributing factor to an increased risk of heat-related mortality.
In a study published as a research letter in JAMA, the investigators used the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WONDER platform to evaluate all deaths between 1999 and 2023 for which environmental hyperthermia of newborn, effects of heat and light, or exposure to excessive natural heat were listed as the underlying cause of death or contributing to death.
The investigators identified 21,518 heat-related deaths during the study period. The incidence of heat-related deaths increased by 117% — from 1,069 in 1999 to 2,325 in 2023. Further, the highest number of heat-related deaths occurred in 2023.
The findings demonstrated a trend of rising heat-related mortality rates that is likely to continue. The investigators emphasized that local health officials should increase access to hydration and public cooling centers to reduce the consequences of extreme heat.
Read more: JAMA
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