June 1, 2022
Media Contact:
Deidre McCabe, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-3536
Chase Cook, Deputy Director for Media Relations, 410-767-8649
Maryland Department of Health announces first reported heat-related death of 2022
Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced the first reported heat-related death of 2022 in Maryland. The death occurred in Baltimore County; the decedent was a male aged 65.
“As this tragedy shows, heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can result in serious ailments and even death,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Dr. Jinlene Chan. “During hot weather, Marylanders are urged to take precautions to avoid overheating and check on friends and neighbors that may be susceptible to heat-related illness, especially older adults and people with chronic disease.”
From May through September, MDH monitors temperature conditions and incidents of heat-related illness and death. Weekly reports may be found online through the Office of Preparedness and Response Extreme Heat webpage. The site also includes the state Heat Emergency Plan, information about heat-related illnesses and tips for staying safe and healthy during hot weather.
Marylanders should never leave children or pets in a car for any time during hot weather, even with the windows cracked, and are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors or relatives to ensure they have a cool place to stay.
MDH encourages using the following tips to help cope with hot weather:
Drink plenty of fluids
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and overly-sweetened beverages
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing
Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen; stay in the shade when possible
Avoid salt tablets unless advised by a doctor to take them
Take it easy outside: schedule physical activity in the morning or evening, when it’s cooler, and take short breaks if necessary
While anyone can be a victim of heat-related illness, the highest risk groups include people under age 5 or over age 65, people with chronic illnesses, people taking certain medications, and those who are exercising or working outdoors.
Individuals in need of cooling centers are encouraged to reach out to their local health department or call 2-1-1 and provide their county location and ZIP code to get information about cooling center locations, hours of operation and available accommodations.
More resources about staying safe in hot weather are available from the MDH Office of Preparedness and Response at: https://preparedness.health.maryland.gov/Pages/resources_hot.aspx
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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.
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