BTN News: Spain has been grappling with an alarming surge in temperatures this summer, resulting in a significant increase in mortality rates. According to recent estimates from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), up to 1,356 deaths could be attributed to the extreme heat in July and the early part of August 2024. The data provided by the Sistema de Monitorización de la Mortalidad Diaria (MoMo), updated just this past Friday, paints a concerning picture of the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
In July alone, there were an estimated 765 deaths linked directly to the soaring temperatures, while August has already seen 591 heat-related fatalities. The period from July 22nd to July 28th was particularly devastating, with 335 deaths occurring due to the intense heat. This period marked the peak of the summer’s deadly heatwave, which has shown no signs of abating as August continues.
The overall mortality in July reached 34,916, with an excess of 830 deaths compared to typical figures. Out of this excess, 765 deaths were specifically attributed to the extreme heat. The first few days of August proved to be equally perilous, with daily heat-related deaths fluctuating between 91 and 98, gradually decreasing to 49 by August 8th as temperatures slightly cooled.
When compared to the same period in 2023, the data reveals a troubling trend. Last July saw 686 heat-related deaths, 79 fewer than this year. August 2023 was also less deadly, with only 42 heat-related deaths reported in the first three days. The increase in mortality this year underscores the escalating danger posed by rising global temperatures.
Women appear to be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat, accounting for 455 of the 765 heat-related deaths in July, compared to 310 deaths among men. The elderly population is particularly at risk, with 744 deaths occurring among those over the age of 65. Of these, a staggering 507 deaths were among individuals over the age of 85, highlighting the severe impact of extreme heat on the most vulnerable members of society.
In response to this crisis, Spain’s Ministry of Health has launched a public awareness campaign urging citizens to protect themselves against the heat. The campaign emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated, finding cool places to rest, and looking out for those at higher risk, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
To combat the risks of extreme heat, the Ministry of Health has issued a set of guidelines, including advice to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, or sugary beverages, which can contribute to dehydration. The guidelines also stress the need for at-risk individuals to take extra precautions. Signs of heat-related illness, such as exhaustion, headaches, nausea, dizziness, sweating, cold and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, or fever, should not be ignored, as they can quickly escalate into life-threatening conditions.
Particular attention is being drawn to the needs of vulnerable groups, including infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and dementia. The Ministry has also warned that those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction are at an elevated risk of heat-related complications.
As Spain braces for more extreme heat in the coming weeks, these preventative measures are crucial to reducing the death toll and safeguarding public health. The record temperatures serve as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by climate change and the urgent need for proactive measures to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
