Abstract:
Objective
To analyze the epidemiological features of heat stroke fatalities in Shanghai from 2013 to 2016.
Methods
The case reports of heat stroke deaths in Shanghai from 2013 to 2016 were downloaded from the China Information System for Diseases Control and Prevention-Information System for Public Health Emergency Management. Daily meteorological data from 1 June to 30 September of each year were also collected for statistical analysis.
Results
A total of 93 deaths were reported. Among them, 97.85% deaths occurred on days with temperatures above 35℃ and 95.70% occurred in heat wave. The average age of the deaths was 61.5 years. The male-to-female gender ratio was 1.8:1. The average age of male deaths was younger than that of females. Among the deaths, 32.26% were retirees and 31.18% were workers. In terms of time of onset, most cases reported heat stroke between 20 July and 5 August and between 9:00 and 17:59. In terms of place of onset, 80.65% cases reported heat stroke in suburbs, 45.16% at home, and 31.18% in workplaces. In addition, 50.54% of the deaths had underlying diseases. All cases did not use air-conditioners (100.00%).
Conclusion
Temperature is closely related to heat stroke. For heat stroke prevention and control, local aged-residents and migrant workers are key groups, and home and workplaces are key sites.