The United States is witnessing a significant increase in heat-related illnesses this year, as per data provided to NPR by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Since 2018, the CDC has been collecting national data on heat-related illnesses from emergency departments and releasing it daily through its Heat & Health Tracker. This data serves as an early-warning system for heat-affected communities, providing real-time health information.
The CDC has shared historical data and an analysis of the trends for 2023 with NPR. The historical data is limited to consistently reporting locations, allowing for a comparison of rates over time. Explore the trends in your region and identify when rates of illness have spiked.
Some recent spikes in heat-related illness
This summer, hospitals in the Texas region, including Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, recorded a significant rise in heat-related illnesses. According to the CDC analysis, the rates of emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses in this region were the highest seen in the past five years during several days in June.
Parts of the region experienced above-average temperatures last month. The Texas Tribune reported that a mid-month heatwave brought an unusually high number of 100-degree days.
Record high rates of heat-related illnesses were observed earlier this year in several other regions. Federal health regions 1, 2, 5, and 8, which include the Northeast, the upper Midwest, and the Rocky Mountain region, recorded the highest daily rates of heat-related illnesses for any April over the past five years.
Region 10, encompassing the Pacific Northwest and Idaho, also witnessed a similar trend of record-setting daily heat-related hospital visits in both April and May.
In 2021, region 10 also reported the highest recorded rate of heat-related illnesses since 2018. This was due to a heatwave that affected a region unaccustomed to high temperatures and with limited air conditioning usage.
“Temperature thresholds that trigger spikes in heat-related illnesses vary regionally, depending on acclimation and infrastructure,” says Claudia Brown, a health scientist with the CDC’s Climate and Health Program.
Heat-related deaths are rising
Claudia Brown from the CDC emphasizes that extreme summer heat is increasing in the United States. She acknowledges that “it’s hot again, and it’s getting hotter every summer.” Climate projections indicate that extreme heat events will become more frequent and intense in the coming decades.
Despite some improvements in forecasting, public messaging, and access to air conditioning, extreme heat events still contribute to preventable deaths nationwide. The National Center for Health Statistics has observed an increase in heat-related deaths in recent years.
The CDC advises taking precautions when spending time in the heat to prevent heat-related illnesses. Symptoms may initially manifest as a rash, headache, dizziness, or nausea, but can rapidly escalate. Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature. It can develop suddenly without prior symptoms. If someone experiences symptoms of heat stroke or suspects it for any reason, it is crucial to call 911 immediately.
Vulnerable populations prone to heat-related illnesses include pregnant individuals, those with lung conditions, young children, and the elderly. Outdoor labor and sports activities can also contribute. For example, in Austin, Texas, a significant portion of emergency room visits are attributed to young men overexerting themselves in the heat, as reported by CBS Austin.
Living in cities with minimal shade and extensive pavement increases ambient heat levels.
The CDC is actively collaborating with cities to prepare for more extreme weather conditions, expected to worsen in the coming decades due to climate change. The goal is to implement better planning and increase public awareness, along with improving access to air conditioning, to safeguard people from the consequences of heat.
