“Rising Temperatures, Rising Risks: CDC Data Shows High Levels of Heat-Related Illness in the U.S.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released data showing high levels of heat-related illness in the U.S. this year. The agency has been collecting national data on heat-related illness from emergency departments since 2018 and provides daily updates through its Heat & Health Tracker. This data serves as an early-warning system for communities affected by extreme heat.
According to Claudia Brown, a health scientist with the CDC’s Climate and Health Program, the data provides real-time health information to help communities respond to heat-related illnesses. The CDC collects this data through its National Syndromic Surveillance Program, which gathers anonymized information from electronic health records shared by participating medical facilities.
Recent spikes in heat-related illness have been recorded in various regions across the country. For example, hospitals in the region including Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma saw a significant increase in emergency department visits for heat-related illness in June. Parts of this region experienced above-average temperatures, with a midmonth heat wave bringing an unusually high number of 100-degree days.
Other regions, such as the Northeast, upper Midwest, Rocky Mountain region, Pacific Northwest, and Idaho, also saw record high rates of heat-related illness earlier in the year. The CDC warns that extreme summer heat is on the rise in the U.S., with projections indicating that heat events will become more frequent and intense in the coming decades.
Despite improvements in forecasting, public messaging, and access to air conditioning, heat-related deaths are also increasing. The CDC notes a rise in heat-related deaths in recent years, as tracked by the National Center for Health Statistics. Anyone spending time in the heat is advised to take precautions, as heat-related illness can escalate quickly and lead to heat stroke.
Vulnerable populations, such as pregnant individuals, those with lung conditions, young children, and the elderly, are at higher risk of heat-related illness. Outdoor labor and sports can also contribute to heat-related illnesses. The CDC is working with cities to prepare for more extreme weather due to climate change, with the hope that better planning, public awareness, and increased access to air conditioning can help protect people from the consequences of heat.