PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Six people have died in Maryland so far this year from heat-related incidents, according to the latest available data from the state's Department of Health. Four deaths were reported in Prince George’s County, one in Anne Arundel, and one in Baltimore City.
The health department reported a 59-year-old man died from heat-related causes the first week of June.
In Virginia, one heat related death has been reported this season. The District of Columbia has had no heat deaths reported.
“We are very saddened to report our first heat-related death of the 2024 season,” said Maryland's Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Nilesh Kalyanaraman after the first death of the season in June. “As we experience more hot days in Maryland this summer, this tragedy reminds us to take the necessary steps to avoid overheating. Also, be sure to check on family, friends, and neighbors who may be particularly vulnerable to heat, including young children, senior citizens and people with chronic diseases.”
Since then, that number has risen. The three other reported deaths were also men, all over the age of 45, according to the latest data. One victim was from Baltimore and another was from Anne Arundel County. There were nine heat-related deaths in Maryland for all of 2023.
July 6 was a particularly brutal day, according to health surveillance reports from both states. In Maryland, there were 116 EMS calls or hospital visits for heat-related illness, according to state figures. In Virginia, there were 111 hospital visits for illnesses on that day.
Tuesday was also brutal in Virginia with 105 hospital visits due to heat, according to the state’s heat-related illness dashboard. One heat-related death has been reported in Virginia this season so far, according to health authorities there. The identities of the victims and the exact circumstances of the deaths are not being made public due to medical privacy policies.
In the District of Columbia, Fire/EMS authorities report a spike in calls for service on the hottest days. Since the 4th of July the average daily medical call volume has risen into the 600's per day, compared to the 500 to 600 per day average, according to Noah Gray, the Chief Communications Officer for DC Fire and EMS.
Gray said that on the 4th of July holiday where 835 calls for service, but some of that volume is likely also attributed to fireworks related outdoor fires.
Gray explained that the District's reporting system makes it difficult to accurately assess the impact of heat related events on health because the calls often come out for other causes such as sick person, or a person down.
"It is not until we arrive and determine the status of the patient that it is confirmed to be heat related, making it nearly impossible to accurately determine heat related events," Gray explained.
The Maryland Health Department releases a weekly Heat-Related Illness Surveillance Report. That report revealed hundreds of heat-related emergency room visits and calls in the month of June for the entire state.
The Maryland Department of Health shared these tips to help cope with extreme heat:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and overly-sweetened beverages
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing
- Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen; stay in the shade when possible
- Avoid salt tablets unless advised by a doctor to take them
- Schedule physical activity in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler, and take breaks if necessary
Warning signs that you could be suffering from a heat-related illness include heat exhaustion, heat stroke or heat cramps. In Prince George’s County, there are more than 20 cooling centers available for residents to find some relief from the excessive heat.
The extreme heat warnings over the last month have had an impact on people across our entire region. The Virginia Department of Health also keeps track of heat-related illnesses. The total emergency room and urgent care visits for the entire commonwealth is more than 1,500 so far this year.
You can get the latest forecast and track all heat-related warnings on WUSA9's Weather page.
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