The summer heat is once again taking its toll — particularly on older adults, people struggling with substance use disorder and those experiencing homelessness. Here's the latest on the number of heat-related deaths so far.
Dr. Nick Staab is the chief medical officer at the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. He says there are currently 97 confirmed heat-related deaths, with just over 400 still under investigation.
“When we compare that to last summer at the same time, we had 177 confirmed with 440 under investigation. So at this point in time, we are significantly behind last year's numbers,” says Staab.
Despite the good news, he says the largest impact continues to be among individuals between the ages of 35 and 64.
“That is, again, consistent with prior years and knowing the risk factors in this population, especially among those who are unsheltered and using substances.”
Stabb says the final reports on heat-related deaths will not be released until next year.
