Contact:
Nanci Gonder
573/751-6062
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services today announced the latest numbers for deaths and illnesses related to the extremely hot weather the state has been experiencing.
According to Jane Drummond, director of the department, there have been 12 hot weather-related deaths this summer. Ten of these have occurred since August 1. Of the August heat wave deaths, none were in Jackson County (two earlier deaths did occur), five in St. Louis City, one in St. Louis County and four in other areas of Missouri. The majority of these were elderly metropolitan residents who were found deceased in their homes.
In addition, there have been more than 1,300 emergency department, physician, and first aid visits made for heat-related illness since Memorial Day.
An estimated 46 people at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia have been hot enough to seek assistance at the on-site first aid station. As many as 11 of those were transported to or went to the local hospital.
“Even if a working air conditioner is available, some people feel they cannot afford to use it for fear of high utility costs,” Drummond said. “However the costs are not as high as some may think,” she added. “The typical electricity cost for using a window air conditioner is only $1.50 per day.”
Drummond said the state health department advises Missourians to check on their neighbors and family members multiple times per day, especially if they are at risk of heat-related illness. People should make sure they have and use a source of air conditioning at least during the hottest part of each day, every day. If they do not have air conditioning in their home they may need to leave to visit a friend, relative or cooling center that has air conditioning. Children should be closely supervised and close attention should be paid to the elderly--especially those who live alone--and anyone who may have a mental or physical disability to make sure they do not put themselves in danger.
People who work or participate in outdoor activities need to be aware of the danger signs of heat exhaustion, such as light-headedness, mild nausea or confusion, sleepiness or profuse sweating. Employers and school administrators also need to be aware of the dangers of working and playing sports during extreme temperatures, and make changes in work or extra-curricular activity schedules, such as football practices.
Drummond said, "Your work or your football team is not worth damaging your or your players' health for life. Cut back on work hours in the heat, allow extra water and cooling breaks. Do not put our workforce and young people's health at risk," she added.