CDC Report: Record-High Rates of Heat-Related Illness in US Emergency Departments
“Record High Heat-Related Emergencies in the US: What You Need to Know”
Last summer, the United States experienced the hottest temperatures ever recorded, leading to a surge in heat-related health emergencies across the country. According to a recent CDC report, more than 300 out of every 100,000 emergency department visits in July and August 2023 were for heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat cramps, and sunburns. The southern region, including states like Texas, had the highest rates of heat-related emergencies in the US.
The majority of heat-related emergency department visits occur during the warm season from May to September, peaking in July and August. Last year, heat-related illnesses accounted for a 20% larger share of emergency department visits compared to the previous five seasons. Data from hundreds of emergency departments revealed that 180 out of every 100,000 total visits were due to heat-related illness in 2023, a significant increase from previous years.
The risks of peak heat are also on the rise, with the rate of heat-related emergency department visits surging above previous peaks. In July and August 2023, there were more than 300 heat-related emergencies for every 100,000 total emergency department visits, nearly 50% higher than the average peak rate from 2018 to 2022. This increase in heat-related emergencies is attributed to longer, hotter, and more frequent episodes of extreme heat caused by climate change.
To address the growing concern of heat-related illnesses, the CDC and other health organizations have launched initiatives to track and monitor heat-related health trends in real-time. The US Department of Health and Human Services introduced a dashboard that tracks EMS responses to 911 calls for heat-related illness and injury, providing valuable data on where interventions are needed most.
Understanding regional trends and differences in emergency department visits for heat-related illness is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies. Certain groups, such as children, adults with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and outdoor workers, are particularly susceptible to the health risks of heat waves. President Joe Biden has called for increased enforcement to protect workers from extreme heat and issued a “hazard alert” to address the impact of heat on vulnerable populations.
As heat waves continue to pose a significant public health concern, it is essential for individuals and communities to take proactive measures to stay safe during extreme heat events. Access to air conditioning, cooling spaces, and reliable power grids are key factors in mitigating the risks associated with heat exposure. By staying informed and implementing heat mitigation strategies, we can work together to prevent heat-related illnesses and protect our communities from the impacts of extreme heat.