Friday, October 9, 2015

The summer heat wave in 2015 caused 3,300 additional deaths – Liberation

The figure is well below the 15 000 deaths counted in the summer of 2003. The three episodes of heatwave recorded in France in the summer of 2015 resulted in 3300 extra deaths, according to a first assessment of the Health Watch Institute (VS).

In total, it was estimated an excess of 3 300 deaths (6.5%) over the period of three episodes between June 29 and August 9 , “said InVS. The great heat wave of 2003, from August 4 to 18, had resulted in a significantly heavy toll with 15 000 additional deaths (55% more compared to the average of deaths in this period, out heatwave).

InVS notes that “Total heatwaves episodes occurred in the summer of 2015″, available on its website, an increase in mortality for conditions related to the heat “ all regions “affected by high temperatures. These pathologies are hyperthermia or heat stroke, dehydration and hyponatremia, ie too low a concentration of sodium salt in the blood.

This is a first assessment and the extra deaths can not all be attributed to the extreme heat, said the government agency in charge of monitoring and study of the population. “ On these three heat waves, the estimated excess mortality can not be attributed entirely to heat ,” said the organization informs that its calculation is based on administrative data, in which the causes of deaths are not specified.

It is not possible to date” to accurately assess the share attributable to heat waves in additional deaths writes InVS . Besides, he says, some regions recorded excess mortality during the three episodes while none of the departments of these regions had reached heatwave alert thresholds . “

InVS calls “ Important ” the impact of the heat wave in the healthcare system. “ An important health impact has been observed in areas affected by heat waves ,” wrote the organization. “ Increased use of emergency care for heat-related illnesses was recorded ” as well as in hospitals by SOS Médecins network, according to InVS.

AFP

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