Dallas County confirms nine heat-related deaths this season

Dallas, Texas - In light of rising summer temperatures, Dallas County has reported a minimum of nine deaths due to heat-related illnesses this season, as confirmed by Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS).

This Friday, four additional fatalities linked to severe heat were corroborated by the county’s medical examiner, adding to the five previously confirmed cases.

While specific details regarding the deceased have not been shared, Dr. Philip Huang, DCHHS Director, stated that the majority of these fatalities occurred in June and July. He further noted that the confirmation of death causes undergoes thorough investigation, often taking several weeks for finalization.

In comparison, data from the previous year showed a minimum of seven heat-related deaths, marking a concerning rise this year.

“We have experienced some really hot summers, and some that aren’t so bad,” Dr. Huang remarked, as cited by Dallas News. “And this one’s a really bad one.”

Moreover, last week, the medical examiner’s office in the adjacent Tarrant County reported a minimum of 11 heat-related deaths this season.

To address this pressing issue, Dallas County has launched a dashboard this summer for real-time tracking of heat-related illnesses. Data gathered from early May to the past Thursday indicates over 1,500 reported cases. The dashboard also suggests a direct link between spikes in emergency department visits and days with higher temperature readings.

Parkland Health, amidst record-breaking temperatures, has seen an influx in emergency visits for heat-related issues. This year alone, more than 200 patients have sought treatment for heat-related conditions, a significant rise from last year’s figure of 36.

In response to the expanding health emergency, Dr. Huang conveyed that DCHHS has been supplying air conditioning units to those most vulnerable. This distribution mainly targets the elderly, those with disabilities, and families with young children. To date, around 700 air conditioners have been provided.

“Heat-related illnesses can be dangerous if we’re not cautious, and we must do everything we can to prevent heat-related illnesses,” stated DCHHS on X, the platform previously known as Twitter.

Reiterating this, Dr. Huang offered advice for residents to lessen their exposure to the intense heat and to seek shelter in cool, air-conditioned spaces. He underscored the importance of staying hydrated and sensibly avoiding demanding tasks during extreme heat hours.

Furthermore, he urged families and pet owners to ensure children and pets are not left alone in vehicles and emphasized the importance of checking on vulnerable neighbors and acquaintances. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports these concerns, identifying those over 65, children 4 years or younger, and individuals on certain medications as high-risk groups.

The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, too, has not been spared, setting several high-temperature records this season. Last Friday, the region registered a scorching 110-degree Fahrenheit — a record untouched for over a decade. The area also reported an alarming 45 days of temperatures reaching at least 100 degrees.

“Do everything you can to stay out of the heat,” urged Dr. Huang. “Don’t exert yourself in the hottest times, stay well-hydrated, and treat the situation with the seriousness it warrants.”

Separately, Covid-19 cases are seeing an uptick in Texas and throughout the U.S. While some entities nationwide have instituted mask mandates, Texas Governor Greg Abbott clarified via a tweet that Texas will not be implementing such measures.

Credit: Dallas County, Dallas Metro News, Dallas News