Number of heat stroke victims in Catalonia up to 23

Some 23 people have died due to the high temperatures this summer, says Catalonia’s public health agency. Two people died in the run-up to the heatwave that the meteorology service reported as beginning on August 2. The other 21 heat stroke victims -11 men and 10 women- lost their lives between August 2 and 13. The victims were between 41 and 100.

While 10 people succumbed to heat stroke at home, the other 13 died outside, while either working or doing physical activity. Seventeen of the victims died in Barcelona and surroundings, one died in the northern region of Girona, one in the western region of Lleida, and four more in the southern region of Tarragona.

67 cases of heat stroke were reported

Up until August 13, a total of 67 cases of heat stroke were reported to epidemiological surveillance, which collates health-related data for use in policy, while at the height of the heatwave, the emergency health services received 453 calls for incidents related to the high temperatures.

The health department defines heat stroke as when a person is unable to naturally lower their body temperature below an extreme of 40ºC. Symptoms include confusion, dizziness and headaches, and can lead to severe complications, such as seizures, rhabdomyolysis, or kidney failure.

Recommendations

To avoid heat stroke, the authorities recommend people remain hydrated throughout the day, that they avoid going out at the hottest time of day, to limit intense physical activity to a minimum and to spend at least two hours each day in a temperature controlled environment.