“Understanding the Impact of Heat Exposure: A Discussion on Health Emergencies and Public Health Strategies”
The year 2023 saw a significant increase in health emergencies caused by heat exposure in the United States, with record-high rates of Heat-Related Illness (HRI) Emergency Department (ED) visits reported in several regions. This surge in heat-related illnesses prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue Epidemic Information Exchange (Epi-X) public health alerts.
A study conducted in 2023 revealed that certain demographic groups were at a higher risk for HRI ED visits, particularly males and adults aged 18-64 years. While children under 18 years had the lowest HRI ED visit rates, previous research suggests that children may also be susceptible to the effects of heat exposure at rates similar to adults in some areas of the country. Workers who are regularly exposed to extreme heat, such as outdoor workers and frontline essential workers like firefighters, were identified as high-risk groups for heat stress.
Regional differences in HRI ED visit rates were attributed to factors such as acclimatization, behavioral responses, and adaptation strategies. Public health interventions, including heat action plans and heat alerts based on local epidemiologic data, were recommended to address these disparities.
Social determinants of health played a significant role in the effectiveness of heat mitigation strategies. Access to cooling spaces, energy costs, and power grid failures were identified as factors that could impact the ability of individuals to cope with extreme heat. Programs that provide financial assistance for residential energy and monitor the safety of individuals reliant on electricity-dependent medical equipment during power outages were highlighted as crucial in protecting vulnerable populations.
Public health initiatives aimed at helping communities prepare for extreme heat conditions were emphasized as essential in reducing illnesses and deaths related to heat exposure. Syndromic surveillance tools, such as the CDC’s Heat and Health Tracker, were recommended to guide public health preparedness and response efforts.
Despite the valuable insights provided by the study, there were limitations to consider. The data used were not nationally representative, and the analysis did not include facilities operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, the estimation of HRI ED visit rates may have been impacted by changes in ED utilization patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, the findings underscored the need for timely tracking and reporting of health effects related to heat exposure, especially during extreme heat emergencies. Public health agencies must continue to utilize surveillance systems and tools to assess and address the adverse health impacts of rising temperatures, which are expected to worsen due to climate change in the coming years.