Objective To describe low temperature-induced excess mortality in Shanghai, and to provide scientific basis for extreme weather warning and disaster reduction and mitigation.
Methods Data of deaths in Shanghai during November 20 through March 30 next year between 2003-2007 were accumulated, meteorological data during the same period were also collected, and then their relationship was analyzed.
Results From mid January to late February of 2008, the average ten-day temperatures were lower than the historical average temperature by 1.13℃ to 5.17℃ . During the low temperature period of 2007, a total of 43 441 people died in Shanghai, 2 641 more than the average over the same period in previous years. With the drop of daily average temperature, maximum temperature and minimum temperature, the daily deaths increased accordingly. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of deaths and the temperature (ravg=-0.45, rmax=-0.38, rmin=-0.49).
Conclusion Dramatic changes in weather and temperature induced by low temperature pose threats to people's health, leading to an increase in excess mortality.
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