Heat-related illnesses spike in Columbus during heatwave; vulnerable populations at risk
When brutal summer heat hits, health experts urge the general population to stay indoors, but it's not that simple for some of our most vulnerable populations.
Franklin County, like most of the Midwest, is under an excessive heat watch through Saturday, with temperatures possibly reaching the upper 90s on Friday after a week of similarly blazing temps across the Columbus area, leading to an increase in emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses.
The temperatures are expected to drop slightly into the upper 80s come Sunday, but creep back into the 90s by the middle of next week.
Heat-related illnesses and deaths are completely preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but still happen due to vulnerable populations not having access to the help they need to stay well, like air conditioning indoors.
Many people who die in excessive heat lack air conditioning in their homes or have health issues that can turn deadly in extreme heat.
While outdoor heat deaths have surged in recent years, an analysis of National Weather Service data by the USATODAY Network's Cincinnati Enquirer found that almost half the 3,142 people who died from heat-illnesses over the last two decades died at home. Approximately 45% of people who died at a known location died in their homes, making it the most common location for heat-related deaths.
Outside locations, like campgrounds or ballfields, were the second most common, making up 41% of deaths. Deaths in cars or other vehicles were next, at 12%, and mobile homes were 2.5%, meaning more than half of all heat-related deaths occurred in some enclosed space.
Illness, race factor in risk for heat-related death
Heatwaves are miserable for anyone, but certain factors up the risk of experiencing illness and death due to the heat.
Higher temperatures increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and breathing problems. Those with disabilities, mental or physical, and chronic health conditions like heart problems or diabetes, are particularly vulnerable.
Age also comes into play. Children under 5 and adults over 65 are more at risk for illness or death.
A study by the CDC found that heat deaths disproportionately impact communities of color, who have a higher heat-mortality rate than their white counterparts.
Communities of color historically are more likely to live in neighborhoods made up of an "urban heat island," or a part of a city prone to higher temperatures than the surrounding area. There are also often fewer resources to combat heat risks, such as cooling centers, air conditioning in homes or trees for shade, along with higher rates of conditions like heart disease or asthma.
Columbus sees uptick in heat-related illness visits
Columbus emergency rooms have seen an uptick this week in people admitted with heat-related illness, according to Columbus Public Health, with 37 reported to the city's health department since Monday. A spokesperson for the Franklin County Coroner said so far, no heat-related deaths have been reported.
Franklin County Coroner spokesperson Kelli Newman said the spike is above the norm for Columbus, but comparable to other heatwaves Columbus has experienced.
Nineteen of those people were transported to emergency rooms by ambulance, Newman said.
Monday saw 10 visits to emergency rooms for heat-related illnesses, which Newman said was above average -- during a few hot days in May, eight people per day were seen with heat-related illness, for example. On Tuesday, that number jumped to 16 people.
On Wednesday, when many residents had the day off in celebration of Juneteenth, 11 emergency room visits were reported.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, people should stay inside whenever possible, Newman said. People who must be outside should wear light, loose fitting clothing, drink plenty of water, and take breaks, she said. If possible, outdoor work should be done in the early morning or late evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
"If you have elderly neighbors, check on them, and check on your friends and family as well, to make sure that they have what they need and that they're healthy and safe," Newman said.