First heat-related death reported in King County

KING COUNTY, WA - Today, the King County Medical Examiner's Office reported the first death in King County associated with the recent heat wave. The decedent, a man in his 60s from Seattle, had heart disease with heat as a contributing factor to his cause of death.

"We know that heat puts additional stress on people with underlying chronic conditions, just like the flu and other infectious diseases," said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. "Tragically, excessive heat exposure can be fatal, and it's possible that we may see additional deaths before the heat wave ends."

Public Health and local partners have been working to help reduce the health impacts on the community and keep people safe and cool, particularly those who are vulnerable to high temperatures (older adults, young children, people with chronic illness, and people with weight or alcohol problems):

• Cooling shelters continue to be open in the City of Seattle and cities across King County. Find links to the updated shelter lists at www.kingcounty.gov/health/BeatTheHeat
• Public Health is coordinating with partners to call every nursing home, boarding home and adult family home in the county to check on their status and offer assistance as needed. King County Medic One is checking with nursing home facilities in its service area
• Over 200 community-based organizations have received information and fact sheets to provide to their clients.
• Public Health continues to monitor heat-related illnesses through the health care and emergency medical system, and stands-by to coordinate response to problems.

"People with underlying conditions like heart disease need to take it easy, and all of us need to check on frail family, friends and neighbors, especially if they live alone, to make sure they are safe and cool," said Fleming.

Tips to stay healthy in the hot weather

Stay cool

• Spend more time in air conditioned places. If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting a library, mall, movie theater or other cool public places.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
• Dress in lightweight clothing.
• Check up on your elderly neighbors and relatives.

Drink liquids

• Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic beverages.
• Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.

If you go outside

• Limit your direct exposure to the sun.
• Do not leave infants, children, people with mobility challenges and pets in a parked car, even with the window rolled down.
• Avoid or reduce strenuous activity.
• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Avoid sunburn. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.

Check with your physician if you are concerned about heat and the specific medications you are taking. Certain medications may increase sensitivity to the heat. Do not take salt tablets unless directed to by a physician.

Recognizing heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Overheating occurs when people's bodies are not able to cool themselves quickly enough and can lead to symptoms of heat exhaustion, including muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting. If you notice someone with signs of overheating, move the person to a cooler location, have them rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention for them immediately if they do not feel better.

In severe instances, people can suffer heat stroke, which can cause can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• red and hot skin
• rapid, strong pulse
• nausea, confusion and unconsciousness

For more tips and resources on staying cool in hot weather, visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/BeatTheHeat