Washington: Heat-related illnesses have spiked as the US bakes in a record-hot summer, forcing some hospitals to call in more staff to treat a surge in patients. The proportion of emergency-room visits linked to heat skyrocketed in Texas and surrounding states, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, with some weeks surpassing levels seen last year. Rates soared in other parts of the country, including the Southwest, in late June and July.
Doctors in Arizona and Texas said it’s the worst summer yet, with a higher number of patients coming in and some needing treatment for severe conditions like heat stroke, when high body temperatures can damage vital organs and sometimes lead to death. Temperatures have set monthly and all-time records around the country in the past month, spiking well above 38°C in many places. Most of the US has a high chance of warmer-than-normal temperatures through August 3, according to the Climate Prediction Center.
In Phoenix, where temperatures were on track to hit 43°Celsius or higher for a 22nd consecutive day, the Valleywise Health system has called in extra staff to handle its highest volume of patients since the pandemic. Summer time heated-related illnesses are “not an uncommon problem,” in Phoenix, said Valleywise Chief Clinical Officer Michael White, “but the number of patients that we’re seeing now with heat exposures has risen.” At least 18 people died of heat-related causes this year through July 15 in Maricopa County. A further 69 deaths are under probe.